Clara Johnson Merritt, 85, of Tampa, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2012.She was a devoted wife, a caring mother, grandmother & great grandmother, she will always be remembered as a woman who always had a kind word for everyone.Mrs. Merritt was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Eugene F. Merritt in 1997, her parents Milton &Clara Johnson, and her sister Valerie Johnson. She is survived by her Children, Eugene Merritt & wife Barbara; Paul Merritt & wife Armida (Las Vegas, NV), & daughter Susan Benson (Mesa, AZ); Five grandchildren, Eugene Merritt, Paul Merritt, Lisa Foster, Valerie Ditus, & Christopher Karr; Great Granddaughters, Elizabeth and Paige Foster and Caitlin Karr; her sister Sally Hadigian & husband Henry of San Antonio, Texas; niece Nancy Carpenter, nephew Robert Hadigian, & Sister-in-Law, Betty Moore of Port Chester, NY. Mrs. Merritt was born in Greenwich, Connecticut and was a resident of Tampa since 1981.She grew up in Port Chester, NY and was a long time resident of Rye, NY.
She was a member of St. Catherine's Episcopal Church, Spinning Wheels Dance Club & was active member at the Lightfoot Senior Center. Clara enjoyed square dancing, collecting angels, participating in the annual Senior Olympics and the Red Hat Group at the Lightfoot Center as well as many community activities.Clara dearly treasured all of her friends from the Lightfoot Senior Center.Tuesdays & Fridays there were always an important part of her life.
One of her favorite pastimes was baking cakes and cookies.Her icebox cookies were her specialty, everyone looked forward to her homemade baked gifts… they made everything better.
You were a precious gift from God, so much caring, grace and love. You touched many hearts in so many ways.Your smile and words of encouragement so bright even on the bad days.You heard God's whisper calling you home, you didn't want to go and leave us alone.You loved us so much, you held on tight, till all the strength was gone and you could no longer fight. So you gave your hand to God and slowly drifted away. Sing with the Angels now and be at peace.
Interment will be in Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye, NY later this year.

Donations in Memory of Mrs. Merritt may be made to LifePath Hospice or in her name to Senior Olympicsto assist other Seniors to be able to attend activities this year. Checks should be made out to the City of Temple Terrace, mark in memo in memory of Clara Merritt and mailed to Omar K. Lightfoot Recreation Center - 10901 N 56th St Temple Terrace, FL 33617 (813-506-6630)

"ENTRUSTED INTO OUR CARE"
MacDonald Funeral Home