Delta Mae Paige Merritt

Delta Mae Paige Merritt, age 85 of Maryville, died at her home surrounded by her family. Delta was born May 29, 1933 to W.O. and Viola Paige in Tate, GA. She grew up in the embrace of a large, loving extended family. Delta completed her education at Lanier School and then attended Knoxville Business College. January 1954 she married the love of her life, R.L. Merritt. Delta and R.L. were active members of Centenary Missionary Baptist Church. She most recently attended Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Delta and R.L. worked together in the nursing home business in Blount County. They built Chlihowee Nursing Home. Delta was know for her quick wit and love of laughter. Caring for her family was her passion. She was the primary care giver for several family members through the years. Delta was blessed to stay at home thanks to the wonderful caregivers God sent our way. We would like to thank; Kim, Angie, Pam, Caroline, Katie, and Blakely for the love they showered on Mother. Preceded in death by parents, W.O. and Viola Paige; husband of 52 years, R.L. Merritt; brother, Edgar Paige; sisters, Ramelle Trundle and Mary Forrester. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Terrie and Walt West of Maryville; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Penny Merritt of Mansfield, MO. Her grandchildren who were her pride and joy; Adam and Leah Merritt of Mt. Juliet, TN, Jill and Cory Whorton of Mansfield, MO, Erin and Charlie Myers of Maryville, Caleb and Elizabeth West of Maryville, Jacob and Maddy West of Knoxville. Great grand babies; Cole and Cade Whorton of Mansfield, MO, Max and Myra Grace Merritt of Mt. Juliet, TN, Cooper West of Maryville, Merritt Jane Myers of Maryville, and two great grand babies coming in May; sister, Juanita McMillian of Maryville; sister and brother-in-law, Thelma and Bert Buchanan of Maryville; brother and sister-in-law, Tate and Cynthia Paige of Downers Grove, IL; special niece and nurse, Sharon Hughes. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a fund that was close to Deltas heart and benefits her great-nephew, Brett, Bags for Brett. A donation box will be available for contributions at the funeral home. Donations can be made to bagsforbrett.org, or mailed to Bags for Brett, c/o Kerry Campbell, 7619 Woodview Dr., Woodridge, IL 60517. The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 7:00 PM, Rev. David Randolph officiating. The interment will be 11:00 AM Thursday in Grandview Cemetery.