Margery (Midge) Jeanne Anderson Merrill, age 83, peacefully went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, September 6, 2024.

She was born on January 25, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois to Harry Eugene Anderson and Martha Lyle Scranton Anderson. Midge received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from DePauw University in Green Castle, Indiana. She was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and remained active in their alumnae. She went on to teach elementary school in Darlington, Indiana for 5 years. In 1963 she married the love of her life, Lloyd (Kent) Merrill and their love affair lasted 61 years. They would often be seen holding hands and their love is eternal. Together they raised three sons, David, Greg, and Todd Merrill.

Midge was a devoted mother, a wonderful grandmother, and a doting great grandmother. In her early years she enjoyed gardening, and her specialty was arranging floral arrangements. She was an avid reader and active in her book club for many years. She was known as an outdoor enthusiast and her hobbies included hiking, camping, and fishing. But if you asked anyone that knew her, they would tell you that her passion was quilting. She was a member of the Blue Ridge Quilt Guild and a recipient of multiple blue ribbons and an occasional “Best of Show”. Her family likes to imagine her in heaven making beautiful quilts and winning all the awards.

She was an amazing cook with a world-renowned recipe file! Her grandchildren would tell you that she made the best cookies on the planet! She enjoyed searching for treasures at antique stores and it wouldn’t be unusual for her to have her family stop at them in their travels. Her favorite place in the world was Hemphill Bald, near The Swag in Waynesville, North Carolina. Midge and Kent made this special place one of their favorite destinations for 31 years.

Midge had a relationship with Jesus and was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Johnson City, TN. She was a weekly participant in the Scripture Study Class. She was known by anyone that met her for her warm grace, big heart, and sweet demeanor.

She was preceded in death by her father Harry Eugene Anderson; mother; Martha Lyle Scranton Anderson, sister Barbara Scranton Gates and grandson Coleman Lloyd Merrill. She is survived by her husband Lloyd (Kent) Merrill of Jonesborough, TN; her son David Lloyd Merrill of West Palm Beach, FL; her son Gregory Scott Merrill and wife Kelly Keith Merrill of Nashville, TN; her son Stevin (Todd) Merrill and wife Elizabeth Hoskins Merrill of Tampa, FL. Grandchildren: Connor Jacob Merrill, Byron Keith Merrill, Austin Cooper Merrill, Boyd Anderson Merrill, Hayden Kent Merrill, Katherine Lois Merrill. Great granddaughter: Lennon Raine Merrill.

In memory of Midge, a donation can be made to First United Methodist Church, 900 Spring St. Johnson City, TN 37064; www.1stChurchjc.org. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the Merrill family online at www.dillow-taylor.com

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821