Rachel Lee Collins Merricks
Rachel Collins Merricks, 91, was reunited in heaven with her husband Walter “Dude” Merricks continuing their 66 earthly years of marriage on August 16, 2023. She was the daughter of Christopher Cruth Collins and Rosa Mitchell Collins. Rachel worked as the Manager in the Tunstall High School Cafeteria for over 35 years. She loved providing delicious hot meals for the students and treated them as her own. Rachel was a member of Salem Church of Christ for over 50 years.
Rachel and Dude created a strong family unit extending throughout generations, beginning with her children – son, Barry Merricks (Joan) and a daughter, Misty Doak (Jason), and her children who welcomed her to her heavenly home, daughter, Bonnie Merricks Durham, son, Larry Merricks and daughter-in-law, Debbie Merricks.
Rachel was the last of her generation, being predeceased by three brothers, Carl Collins, Harry Collins and Floyd Collins and two sisters, Wilma Scearce Foltz, and Ann Collins Haskins.
Rachel leaves behind love and memories with her grandchildren – Chris Earles (Christel), Jason Merricks (Hope), Courtney Durham Powell (Brandon), BJ Durham (Julia), Justin Merricks, Hannah Merricks and Dawson Doak. She was predeceased by her grandson, Adam Tyler Merricks.
Rachel will be deeply missed by her great-grandchildren – Caleigh Earles, Camden Earles, Collin Earles, Alice Merricks, Sarah Merricks, Casey Dahm, Kaiden Lovern, Chyler Lovern, Madilyn Powell, Josie Powell, Brayden Durham and Sarah Mackenzie Durham. Her legacy continues further with her great-great-grandchild, Alden Clay Dawson.
Mama (Grandma) will always be remembered as the rock of the family. She loved cooking for all of them and all were considered her “Shuga”. To know her was to love her – and if you did, you were forever blessed.
Services will be held at Norris Funeral Home, Mt Hermon Chapel, with visitation Friday, August 18, 7:00PM – 8:30PM, funeral on Saturday, August 19, 2:00PM, with graveside to follow at County Line Christian Church Cemetery, 12711 Chatham Road, Axton, VA.
The family will be receiving guests at Rachel’s residence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunstall Fire Department and/or Danville-Pittsylvania Cancer Association.
