Geraldine “Jerrie” Merrill, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, from complications she suffered from a stroke while on a cruise. Jerrie had been working toward rehabilitation at the Life Care Center of Punta Gorda. On the morning of July 8th, health care professionals were unable to rouse Jerrie for her morning medications. Emergency officials were contacted and she was rushed to HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital where she later passed away after only briefly regaining consciousness to say goodbye to her family.

She is survived by her husband Donald Merrill to whom she was married for 67 years, her son Barry Merrill, her grandson Tyler Merrill, and her in-laws Thomas and Carolyn Merrill, of Punta Gorda, FL. She was preceded in death by her daughters Glori Ann Merrill, who died in 1965, and Donna Carr who died 2019.

Jerrie was born in Allentown Pennsylvania, and grew up on the Eastern Shore in Greenbackville, Virginia. After marrying her husband in 1959 they lived in many locations along the east coast until finally retiring in Hampton, Virginia. They sold their home and lived on the road traveling the country in an RV for 17 years. During at least 15 years of being on the road, her husband worked seasonally as a Park Ranger at the Thousand Trails Campground in Gloucester, VA where they enjoyed time with their camping family. They eventually settled in Punta Gorda, Florida in the Blue Heron Pines Community to be closer to her in-laws.

Jerrie was a homemaker for the first 20 years of their marriage. Once her children had grown, she pursued a career working alongside her husband in the seafood industry.

When she retired, her favorite pastimes were crocheting and diamond dots to create a multitude of projects that she gifted to friends and family and sold at various craft shows. She loved to travel with her husband and liked to play the slots at the various casinos they crossed in their travels. She would often be seen with a scratcher or two to enjoy the thrill of winning a few dollars.

She also enjoyed riding her bike in their neighborhood and spending time with Blue Heron Dazzlers, a local women’s group that went on various outings in the Florida area.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for August 12th, 2026, 11:00am-12:00pm, at Liberty Live Church, 1021 Big Bethel Rd, Hampton, VA 23666 in the Senior Adults Room. Refreshments to follow a short informal service to allow others to share their stories and memories about Jerrie.

A private ceremony will be held in Greenbackville, VA by her immediate family on August 19th.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society in her name.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, the family is very grateful for everyone’s support.