Glenna Jean Merritt

Glenna Jean Merritt, 92, passed away on August 1, 2026. Born in Danville, Illinois, Glenna spent most of her youth and early adult years in Lafayette, Indiana. There she met the love of her life on an arranged blind date. All told, it turned out quite well. Just a couple of years later she married Fredrick (Fred) Merritt, Jr. and they started a family. Thanks to Fred, Glenna went on to enjoy decades of adventures as the family was continuously relocated by his employer. Glenna became skilled in quickly establishing comfortable homes, making friends, and finding meaningful associations through church, service clubs, and volunteering. Among her contributions were recording newspapers for the blind; assisting with therapies for a disabled baby; and serving in various roles with both Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. A devoted mother, she never missed a school play, band concert, scouting event, or club fundraiser. After completing a fun night class on making stained glass, Glenna started crafting glass ornaments for family and friends in her home. She proved to be a skilled artisan, and it wasn’t long before the hobby became a small business called “Glenna’s Hang-Ups”. Glenna sold her wares at numerous arts and crafts shows, including juried shows, and made many friends in the process. She was proud that her business put two kids through college and paid for multiple vacations with Fred. Glenna will be remembered as a warm, caring person. She had many lifelong friends and continued to make new friends everywhere she went. The greeting card and stationary companies will surely notice her absence. She loved buying, sending, and receiving greeting cards, thank you notes, and letters. Not surprisingly, Glenna was on the “Sunshine Committee” of the women’s clubs she joined. (All the more cards to select and send!) Her favorite pastimes included playing bridge, BINGO, and dominoes; taking cruises; playing the slots; and reading. She loved having pets, especially cats, and always chose adoption from a shelter. Glenna was preceded in death by her adoring husband of 65 years. They were devoted to each other and were known to many as a single word: FredandGlenna. After more than 6 years, they are reunited. She is survived by her loving brother, Jerry Emerson; two children: Debra Sears (Donald) and Steve Merritt (Andrea); beloved grandchildren Ariane, Caroline (Eric), Brittany, Rachael, and Benjamin (Rosemary); one great-grandchild, Marlowe; nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends that are chosen family, John and Rheta Hamming. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Glenna’s life on Saturday, August 29 at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Road. Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Glenna's memory are encouraged to an animal shelter of your choice or to Big Bend Hospice, Inc. Or, support a local artist or craftsman with a purchase of something you’d enjoy. She would like that. Niki Carney of Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com or 850-385-2193) is assisting the Merritt family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Glenna Jean Merritt

January 19, 1934 - August 1, 2026