Frances L. Merritt

Frances L. (Dye) Merritt, age 73, of Trotwood, OH, born May 15, 1948 in Carrollton, GA to the late Hosie Sr. and Beulah Dye, transitioned from this life to be in the presence of the Lord Thursday, August 12, 2021. The second of 9 children, she was a caretaker from an early age, always helping others. At age 17, she moved  with her aunt and uncle, Eris and Horace Moreland, to Dayton, Ohio where she met the love of her life, Charlie Merritt.

She was a homemaker for years and worked as the Girl Scouts cookie mom, neighborhood hairdresser and daycare provider. She enjoyed sewing, baking, cooking and playing card games like Pokeno and SkipBo. She made the best pound cake, fried fish and collard greens and always had a plate for anyone who stopped by. And every night at 7pm, her TV was tuned into Steve Harvey hosting Family Feud!

Frances was employed at University of Dayton, working in Dining Services for 21 years prior to her retirement in 2016. She also worked at the Dayton Dragons Field in the summers. After retirement, she became very active as a member of the Silver Sneakers at YMCA Trotwood location and Wesley Senior Gems at Wesley Community Center.

Frances accepted Christ as a child and was a member of Bethsaida Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years where she served on the Usher Board, Choir member and the Finance Committee.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jeanette Mason; grandson, Randy Pearl; loving husband, Charlie Merritt.

She leaves to cherish precious memories: her children, Antonio (Tonia) Merritt, Angela Merritt of Dayton, MaryJo Price of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren, Antonia Merritt, Charlia Merritt, Tiffiny McGraw, James Jackson; sisters, Peggy Dorsey of Atlanta, GA, Vera (Jesse) White and Carolyn Dye of Dayton; brothers, Willie (Annie) Dye, Mike (Deborah) Dye, Steve (Sheila) Dye of Dayton, and Hosie Dye Jr. of Atlanta, GA; special nieces, Shanika Dye, Shantenelli Milton; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Funeral service will be held 12 noon Monday, August 23, at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 5370 Dayton-Liberty Rd. Visitation 10 am-12 pm. Interment Jeffersonview Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc.

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