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Obituary for Lucy A. Merrick
Remembering the Life & Legacy of Our Beloved Mother
LUCY A. MERRICK
A Memorial Service is scheduled Thursday, June 9, 2016
10:00 a.m.
Wood Funeral Home, Inc. 5537-39 West Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131
The inurnment will conclude at Rolling Green Memorial Park
LIFE STORY
Lucy Anna Merrick, born April 29, 1912 to Thomas and Margaret Draine in Philadelphia. Of their five children, Marjorie, Geneva, Susan, and Margaret she was the youngest. During her formative years she attended Brooks Elementary and Overbrook High Schools in West Philadelphia.
Affectionately, she was known to family and friends as “Sissy” or “Sis.”
Lucy married David Warren Merrick and they moved to Washington, D.C. because employment was more plentiful there at that time. While there they had their first three children, Constance Ann, David Warren Jr. and Jeanne Carolyn. When the children were small, Lucy finished her nursing education at Freedman’s Hospital in Washington. When Jeanne was two years old David Sr. was able to secure a postal position in Philadelphia so they returned home and the fourth child Wanda Elaine was born.
As a member of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas she received several awards and commendations. Most recently she was honored on Mother’s Day for being the oldest member of the church at the age of 104 years and the oldest mother.
Lucy enjoyed working in the church and belonged to several church guilds. She was a Bible School teacher, an Acolyte mother, assisted with the Girls’ Friendly Society (when possible) and a member of (ECW) Episcopal Church Women. Also The Sisterhood Guild, The Historical Society and Senior Partners in Christ.
After retiring from nursing and needing to remain active, she joined Action Alliance for Senior Citizens. This organization works to improve the lives of seniors. Through them she became an advocate for senior victims of crimes. Action Alliance often went to hearings where rate hikes affecting seniors with companies such as PECO, PGW, PWD and SEPTA were argued. Sometimes they were successful in keeping rate hikes low and sometimes not. Free rides for seniors on busses were obtained and now seniors can ride the train for $1.00. The disabled are able to get fair employment and healthcare benefits. Lucy joined CARRIE (Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly) for the Improvement, well-being and rights of older persons and continued her work.
She is also an avid listener for many years to WURD (900 am radio) where controversial topics of interest locally and nationally are discussed. At a younger age she eagerly participated in their conversations.
Sorrowfully our mother departed this life Thursday, May 25, 2016 she was preceding in death by our husband David, Constance Carter and Lenore Merrick (David Jr.'s Wife). She leaves to morn David Merrick, Jeanne and Elwood Brown, Wanda Numen and a host of grandchildren Lynn Carter, Beth and Randy Staples, Jill and Fred Robinson, David Christopher and Denise Merrick, Paul Merrick and Victor Nevilles, Carol, Angela and Charles Brown. Anthony and Erica Miles and Leila Miles and additionally 11 great-grandchildren and two nephews Ricky and Maurice Sutherlin.
