Barbara Bourgeois Merritt, age 76, resident of Shelby, NC died December 28, 2013 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center, Shelby, NC.  She was born in Tampa, FL to the late Nelson Bourgeois and Geneva Bourquardez Bourgeois.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Robert “Bob” Ray Merritt.   She was a member of Putnam Memorial Baptist Church, Shelby, NC and retired from Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC.   Barbara spent her life active in the church serving and worshipping as a faithful servant to her Heavenly Father. 

SURVIVORS: Sons: Wayne Merritt and wife Ann, Shelby, NC

Nelson Thomas Merritt and wife Marsha, Boiling Springs, NC

Justin Lee Merritt, Shelby, NC

Daughters: Cindy Lee Russell and husband John, Shelby, NC

Janice Lynn Harris and husband Phillip, Maiden, NC

Sister: Darlene Irwin, Riverview, FL

8 Grandchildren: Lisa Marie Wong and husband Joseph, Shelby, NC;

Kevin Merritt and wife Alexis, Shelby, NC; Andrew Merritt and wife Lindsay, Charlotte, NC; Miranda Harmon and husband Corey, Radcliff, KY; Jason Cline and wife Rebecca, Concord, NC; Grant Harris and Aaron Harris, Maiden, NC; Candace Sewell, Charlotte, NC.

 and 10 Great Grandchildren.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Putnam Memorial Baptist Church, Monday, December 30, 2013    3:00 P.M.    Rev. Gary Marberger, officiating.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Garden of Memories, Webster, FL  Saturday, January 4, 2013       11:00 A.M. 

INTERMENT: Garden of Memories, Webster, Florida

MEMORIALS: Lutheran Family Services, Albemarle Center, 4822 Albemarle Road, Suite 240 Charlotte, NC 28205  

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC