Cynthia M. Merritt, 93, of Pensacola, FL passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2024.

Cynthia was born on March 26, 1931, to Henry and Ada Murray, in a one room cabin nestled in the holler's forested hills of Jacksonville, AL. Her grandpa Gidley had homesteaded that land back in the mid 1800's.

When Cynthia was 17, she fell in love with a man named, James B. Holley, who was 19. It was love at first sight when he walked through the church doors in his Coca-Cola uniform. After a while they eloped to Rome, GA, where they drove up and down the city streets looking for a fake address to put on their marriage license for the Justice Peace, sure enough it all worked out and were married. Years later she realized that the old judge knew exactly what they were doing. Cynthia and James had two daughters, Martha and Renee. Martha was born in that same cabin in the holler and Renee was born in Pensacola, FL four years later. Years later Cynthia met and married Lloyd E. Merritt of Selma, AL. She lived in Selma until returning to Pensacola, FL.

Cynthia had a very interesting, adventurous and full life. She was a big part of her daughters lives as she volunteered at the polls, 4H leader, and member of the PTA. Cynthia's numerous jobs included being Director at Gull Point Recreation Center and Bayview Community Center, a teller at a bank, a police dispatcher at University of West Florida but her favorite job was working at University of West Florida, where she retired, in the information office where she was known as "Miss Information". Cynthia was a member of Olive Baptist Church and joined the Women's Group where she learned how to quilt and sew and was always a fast learner. She could do anything she set her mind to from getting her picture in the paper for her famous biscuits to winning numerous blue ribbons at the county fair for cooking, sewing and art. She had a passion for traveling and loved seeing the world and all the amazing cities and what they had to offer.

Cynthia was full of love for her family and friends both near and far. Her arms were always open to welcome relatives to stay at her house when they travelled to the beach to help them save money. She had a sixth sense about knowing when they would need her, she just showed up and did whatever she could to help them through any situation. The family will miss all the stories she shared and how entertaining she was. Her love for her family impacted everyone.

Cynthia is preceded in death by James B. Holley, of Anniston, AL, Lloyd E. Merritt, of Selma, AL, son-in-law, Eddie D. Fowler and numerous brothers and sisters.

Cynthia is survived by her daughters, Martha Holley Fowler and Renee Majors (Stan); son, Steve Merritt; grandchildren, Jonathan Majors (Jen), Christopher Van Ess (Becky), Teresa Meedel (Christopher), Stephanie Majors (Don), and Aaron Majors (Shaun) and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 9:00am Tuesday, June 18, 2024, until the Funeral service begins at 9:30am at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mike Overman officiating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.