Jenny Louise Merritt

The family of Jenny Louise Merritt, 81, is deeply saddened to report her passing following a long and courageous battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. A native of Wilmington, North Carolina, Jenny was born April 28, 1943, at James Walker Memorial Hospital, the oldest of twins, to the late Joseph Thurman and Inez Lee Holland Merritt.

An informal Memorial/Celebration of Jenny’s life will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 1PM, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road Garner, NC 27529. Carolina Blue would be the appropriate attire if possible!!

Jenny was a proud Honor Society graduate of New Hanover High School, class of 1961. She graduated from Wilmington College with an associate degree in 1963 and the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, with an AB in Social Studies Education in 1965. Jenny started her professional career as an instructor at Miller-Motte Business College in Wilmington, North Carolina. She relocated to Raleigh in the mid 1970’s to begin a long career in Warehousing both in the private and public sectors. She retired from the NC Department of Administration Warehouse in 2005

Jenny loved her family, her fur baby (Sheba), and especially her CAROLINA TARHEELS. She was a loyal supporter of the UNC Educational Foundation (Rams Club) for over 40 years, following all UNC Sports, but especially the women’s basketball team. She was loved by all and will be missed more than words can express.

Jenny is survived by her partner of over 25 years, Carol Ann Haugen; twin sister, JoEllen Merritt Allen; niece Merrit O’Brien (Rob); as well as a large community of loving cousins, extended family members, friends, and former colleagues.

Jenny’s family would like to thank Dr. Suzanne Kirby and her staff at Duke Oncology for their love and support during her courageous battle. A special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and support staff on the 5th floor of Duke Raleigh Hospital, for their compassionate care for Jenny during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, as well as the SPCA of Wake County, or a charity of your choice.