Mrs. Merle J. Campbell Walthall, age 86, of 503 W. Watauga Ave, Watauga Square #107, Johnson City, passed away Monday, December 23, 2013 at NHC Healthcare of Johnson City.

Mrs. Walthall was a native of Washington County and daughter of the late Russel Keys & Ruby Baskette Campbell. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Walthall was also preceded in death by her first husband, Carl Henry Tamm, second husband, James Atwood Walthall, two sisters, Trudie Campbell Cannon and Dorothy Campbell Northern.

She retired from her career/business in fine upholstery at the close of the century, removing the sign that stood out front for decades, “Merle Walthall Upholstery” on East Unaka Street.

Following her love for her granddaughters and her great-grandchildren, in whom her sun rose and set, she was an avid Pinochle player and vivaciously enjoyed engaging her closest friends in regular games of Pinochle and Rook!

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Carl Russel & Gudrun Tamm; granddaughters and their husbands, Misty & Marty Dean and Heather & Tim Risner; great-grandchildren, Jacob Risner, Derrick Risner, Alissa Risner, Micah Dean and Malachi Dean; sisters, Shirley Campbell Ferguson and Lavern Campbell Tilson; brother, Russel “Kay” Campbell; and several nephews and nieces.

Memorial services will be conducted 2:00 pm Saturday, December 28, 2013 at the Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Risner and Pastor Tim Hilton officiating.

In sincere gratitude for their loving ministry, memorial donations may be made to Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren, 773 Brethren Church Rd. Jonesborough, TN 37659.