Geneva Merrill

Geneva Merrill or “Gene” as she was lovingly known by family and friends, passed into eternal rest Wednesday July 4, 2007 in Manteo, North Carolina.  Gene was born March 7, 1924 in Hemingway South Carolina.  She was one of six children born to the late Willard and Eloise Cox of Hemingway, South Carolina.

A great lover of life, Gene was happiest when surrounded by people.  To meet Gene was to become a lifelong friend as she was fascinated and energized by learning about others.  Besides her love and compassion for people, Gene will be remembered for a love of music, attending Mardi Gras parades, collecting bags of Mardi Gras beads, and enjoying jazz brunches with her beloved only child Patricia D. Midgett with whom she resided in Gretna, Louisiana.  Gene also found happiness in her church and attended Gretna United Methodist Church faithfully for many years. Since family was the center of Gene’s life, Gene relocated to Manteo, North Carolina and became a temporary resident in order to care for family members while bravely battling with her own illness.

Gene will be greatly missed by all who knew her.  Besides her devoted daughter Patricia Midgett, Gene leaves two sisters, Elizabeth (Charles) Pryor of Charleston, South Carolina, and Shirley Lutz of Nags Head, North Carolina; two brothers Jack D. Cox of Manteo, North Carolina, and Ronald Cox of Wanchese, North Carolina; two grandchildren, William R. (Beth) Midgett, Jr., and Robin (Robert Bradford) Midgett; two great- grandchildren Paul W. Midgett and Christopher A. Midgett; one uncle, Van Altman of New Jersey and a special honorary granddaughter Amanda Wersching of West Palm Beach, Florida.

A service to celebrate the life of Gene Merrill will take place at a future date at Lake Chapel Cemetery in Hemingway, South Carolina. The family salutes the staff of Albemarle Hospice, particularly nurses Rachel, Cathy, and Ann for the truly outstanding and compassionate care extended to Gene and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial tributes in memory of Gene Merrill be forwarded to Albemarle Hospice  PO Box 189 Elizabeth City North Carolina 27907.  Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. is assisting the family.  Condolences can be sent to the family on-line at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.