Betty J. Merriman

Betty J. Merriman, 86, Maryville, TN passed away June 14, 2016 at home. She was born November 21, 1929, in Maryville, TN. She was a graduate of Everett High School and attended Pecks United Methodist Church. She was an avid sports enthusiast especially the Dallas Cowboys and The University of Tennessee Lady Vol basketball program. She traveled for many years supporting the Lady Vols and attended many of their championship games. She loved to travel with her friends. Her most memorable trips were a cruise to Alaska and visiting Hawaii. Betty enjoyed playing Bridge with her friends several days a week. The family would like very much to thank the following individuals, Gary & Jan, Anita, Jamie, Joan, Dee, Karen, and Phyllis for the loving care they provided during the last year and especially the last several months. She was preceded in death by: parents, Mitchell and Retta (Holder) Yearout and of Maryville; husband of 37 years, Hershell; brothers, James Yearout, Raymond Yearout, Bill Yearout; sisters, Delsa Brown and Dorotha Garner. She is survived by: sons and their wives, Phillip & Donna of Maryville and David & Shelly of Orlando, FL; 4 grandchildren, Anthony Merriman of Stamford, CT, Alex, Sarah and Maggie Merriman of Orlando, FL; Stepsons, Jesse and Randy Gasser of Knoxville, TN; sister Polly Yearout; brother, Herbert Yearout of Maryville; Special Niece, Judy Harp. The visitation is from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 16, 2016 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Family and friends will assemble for graveside service and interment at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 17, 2016 11:00 AM at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s fund of Tennessee at www.alztennessee.org. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Betty J. Merriman please visit our Sympathy Store.