Blanche Merrill

Obituary Blanche Temple Merrill, 90, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother died peacefully on July 19, 2014. Blanche Helen Temple Merrill was born December 13, 1923 on Temples Point in the Harlowe community to the late Lucy Ann Garner and Ralph Gray Temple. Blanche married Charles Merrill in 1943 and they were married for 53 years before his passing. They made their home in Beaufort and had three children, Helen, Mary Ann and Ralph Charles. Her family was very important to her and she dearly loved her family members and her friends. Blanche retired from the Carteret County School System. She was a member of Ann Street United Methodist Church and for many years contributed to the craft fair and Friday luncheons. She enjoyed going to lunch with ladies of the Friday Lunch Bunch and playing bridge with her friends. She and her husband had an active life of family time, fishing, gardening and spending time together. After his passing, she continued that active life and enjoyed mowing her yard and keeping her yard beautiful well into her late 80s. She also loved picking crabs and pecans, which she used for baking. She loved going to the Temple Home Place and celebrating many special events there. She was a kind and gentle lady who enjoyed doing for others. Blanche enjoyed many trips with her husband, Charles, after their retirements and together they traveled across the United States, to Hawaii and Europe. She was always glad to come home to Beaufort and her family. In addition to her parents, Blanche was predeceased by her husband, Charles Merrill, and brothers Lloyd Temple, Thomas Temple and Jesse Temple. Blanche is survived by daughters, Helen M. Brinson (Bill) of Greenville, NC; Mary Ann Ashley (John Stucky) of Olympia, Washington; and son, Ralph Merrill (Wendy) of Beaufort. Blanche Nana is also survived by three grandchildren whom she dearly loved, Will Brinson (Erica) of Greenville, Merrill Brinson Bright (Travis) of Greenville, and Michelle Ashley of Olympia, Washington. She is also survived by her two great-grandchildren, Jackson Brinson and Mason Brinson. Her sister, Doris Temple Edwards, of Newport also survives along with many nieces and nephews who were special to her. The family appreciates the special kindnesses of all who enhanced the health and life of Blanche Merrill. Visitation will be 5:00 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC. A memorial service in celebration and thanksgiving of Blanches life will be held at Ann Street United Methodist Church, Beaufort, NC at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2014. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions in Blanches memory may be made to Ann Street United Methodist Church, 417 Ann Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 or the charity of ones choice. Funeral Service 2:00 p.m. ,Wednesday, July 23, 2014 Ann Street United Methodist Church 417 Ann Street Beaufort, NC 28516 Visitation 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ,Tuesday, July 22, 2014 Brooks Funeral Home 201 Professional Circle Morehead City, NC 28557 Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Blanche Merrill