Elizabeth Lynn Rouse Merritt

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Lynn Rouse Merritt (Lynn), a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, on September 3, 2023. She was 79 years old.

Lynn was born on February 2, 1944 to Clinton and Hazel Rouse in Kinston, North Carolina. She grew up in Kinston and had a deep love for her Lenoir county farm community. In her teenage years, Lynn’s family moved to Warsaw North Carolina. In high school Lynn met and married her high school sweetheart, Hubert ‘Pepsi’ Merritt, Jr.  They were married on February 3rd, 1962. Lynn and Pepsi were married 61 years.  Lynn is preceded in death by her parents Clinton and Hazel Rouse, brother Sonny Rouse, brother Mike Rouse, mother-in-law Mary Costin, and sister-in-law Gloria Piner.

Lynn is survived by her husband Pepsi Merritt of Warsaw, son Jeff Merritt (Karen) of Surf City, daughter Tracy Merritt (Lorrie Kester) of Goldsboro, April Sprague of Kenansville, sister Judy Brown (Guthrie) of Richlands, NC, sister-in-law Mary (Bud) Harrell of Warsaw, sister-in-law Peggy Rouse of Kinston, and sister-in-law Gloria Richardson of Wilmington along with a huge number of nieces and nephews in which she truly loved. Also cherishing her memories are her grandchildren Lauren and Cameron Smith, Logan Merritt and Billy Gonzalez, Merritt Long, Walker Long, Katie and Zach Davidson, John Merritt, Kristin Merritt, and great-grandchildren Shepherd and Sunny Davidson.  

 Lynn was a faithful member of the Warsaw Baptist Church and enjoyed weekend visits from her children and grandchildren, shopping with her friends, especially her sister Judy, family reunions, and an occasional a trip to Cherokee. She will be remembered for the love she had for her family, her church, and her friends. Lynn had the opportunity to live in many different locations throughout her adult life and made life-long friends in each of those locations. 

 A memorial service to celebrate Lynn Merritt's life will be held on September 6th, 2023 at the Warsaw Baptist Church. Friends and family will have an opportunity to visit with Lynn's family at 1:30pm on September 6th in Powell Hall at the Warsaw Baptist Church and the memorial service will be at 3:00pm in the sanctuary of the church. We invite friends and family to join us in honoring the memory of her remarkable life. Pastor David Gasperson will be officiating the service.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals and caregivers who provided comfort and support during Lynn’s final days. As we say our final goodbye to Lynn, may we find solace in the knowledge that her love and legacy will forever live on in our hearts.

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