Launa Sams Merritt, 96, of Elizabethton, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, from Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Launa was born in Carter County to the late Lee and Mattie Carr Sams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William E. Denney; her (second) husband of 62 years, Lloyd Merritt; a granddaughter, Kimberly Stout; and several brothers and sisters.
Launa retired from North American Rayon Corporation and was a homemaker. She was a loving and wonderful Christian mother and was a member of Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church, where she was the oldest member of the church. Launa enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, building, remodeling around her home and serving as a Sunday school teacher. Above all, she loved the Lord and she loved her family and loved spending time with them.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Betty Denney Stout of Elizabethton, Judy Merritt McKinney Johnson and husband Rex, also of Elizabethton, Robin Merritt Isaacs of Hampton and Jennifer Merritt Foglesong Wilson and husband Keith, also of Hampton; her grandchildren, Randy Stout and wife Sherri, Scott McKinney and Jonas Foglesong, all of Elizabethton, and Josh Merritt and Justin Foglesong, both of Hampton; three great-grandchildren, Sara Perry and husband Michael, Allie Leann Stout and Emily Merritt, all of Elizabethton; one great-great-grandson, Michael Perry of Elizabethton; and her sisters, Selma Perry of Bluff City, Louise Renfro of Johnson City and Trula Fortner of Elizabethton. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A graveside service to celebrate the life of Launa Sams Merritt will be conducted at 1:45 p.m. Friday, July 13, at Mountain Home National Cemetery with Rev. Randy Johnson officiating. Music will be under the direction of Kenny Storie. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 1:35 p.m. Friday. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family at the home of her daughter, Judy Johnson. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Ivy Hall Nursing Home and the 2nd floor staff of Sycamore Shoals Hospital for the love and care given to Launa during her illness. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
Mrs. Merritt and her family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.