Arelia Carolyn Merritt, 90, of Coldwater, Mississippi, passed away on August 23, 2026.

Arelia was born on August 5, 1936, to Armour and Juanita Jones. In July 1956, she married the love of her life, Ronald E. Merritt. Together they shared more than 61 years of marriage until Ronald's passing in January 2018.

Arelia was a devoted military wife and a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She and Ronald were blessed with two sons, Alton and Aaron Merritt.

Above all, Arelia was a woman of deep and unwavering faith. She loved her Lord and Savior and sought to model her thoughts, actions, and love for others after Him. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about-it was evident in the way she lived her life and cared for those around her. She treasured her morning devotionals and time spent reading her Bible.

Arelia also enjoyed working puzzles, spending time with her family, and the simple joy of talking every day with her sister Bernice. Her family was precious to her, and the love she gave so freely will remain with them always.

She is survived by her son, Alton Merritt (Ginny), five grandchildren, AnAlecia (Nathan), Danielle (Katie), Chase (Sarah), Dalton, and Cooper; and seven great-grandchildren, Lynley, Leah, Lucas, Lydia, Abby, Garrett, and Reagan.

She is also survived by her sisters, Bernice Robertson (Don) and Harriet (Ludy) Jorgeson (Ron), both of Minnesota.

Arelia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald E. Merritt; her youngest son, Aaron Merritt; her parents, Armour and Juanita Jones; her sister, Janice; and her brothers, James, Vernon, Harold, and Garriett (Buck) Jones.

Our lives will certainly not be the same without her. Yet the example Arelia set through her faith, her devotion to her family, and her unwavering love will continue to live on in the generations she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.