Gretchen Broxson Merritt died at 86 years of age on December 26, 2013 in Pensacola. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles; their youngest son, Cameron; her parents and three siblings. Gretchen was born December 7, 1927, the 2nd daughter of Bart and Annie Gordon Broxson, a pioneer family in the Florida Panhandle. After she married Charles Merritt in 1944, they moved to Gulf Breeze where they lived for 67 years. She loved and was loved by her many friends and relatives. Her kind, gentle spirit, and sense of humor were prevalent wherever she was. She loved gardening, cooking, sewing and reading, and but most especially her family. If anyone needed a home or a respite from everyday life, they went to Charlie and Gretchen's. The coffee pot was always on and a cake in the oven. The Merritt yard was full of many kinds of flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables which they shared with anyone who came to visit. She blessed her children with her love and her ability to teach them the joy of learning and for living a full and happy life. Upon Charlie's retirement they enjoyed spending time traveling the United States; exploring unfamiliar roads to see what lay ahead. Gretchen and Charlie loved their journey together and left a legacy of that love and commitment to their children, grandchildren and generations to come. She is survived by her children, Dan and Catherine Merritt of Longview, TX, Jennifer and Thomas Johnson of Pensacola and Marla and Harvey Peak of Pensacola. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Lee, Christine, Daniel and Matthew Ryan Merritt of Longview, TX; Matthew, Lara, Olivia, Rylee and Ryan Joseph Merritt of Austin, TX; Ryan, Jennifer, Caroline and Christine Merritt of Boca Raton, FL; Richard, Anna, Kathleen and Caroline Johnson of Pensacola; Cameron, Christy, Chase and Alexandra Johnson of Pensacola; Chad, Stacy, Nathan and Allison Peak of Maryville, TN; Teresa, Gregory, Merritt, McKenna, Marae, Dalton, Peyton, Pleasance, Holston and Landon Herrmann of Bristol, TN. She is also survived by siblings, Annice and Gene Webb, John and Christina Broxson, Timothy Broxson, Douglas and Mary Broxson all of Gulf Breeze; Altha Sullivan, Patricia and L.T. Norwood of Milton, Barbara and Merlin Morin of Pensacola and many nieces, nephews and friends. A Memorial celebration of Gretchen's life will be held in the chapel at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Gerald Munday officiating. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. There will be a reception following the service at the Church. She will be buried in a private ceremony alongside her husband and son. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Haven of our Lady of Peace, especially Serenity Court staff members for their kind, loving and compassionate care and support they extended not only Gretchen, but her family as well. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gretchen's name to the Haven of Our Lady of Peace, % Sacred Heart Hospital Foundation or to the Missions of Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church.