Sylvia Mae Merritt

Sylvia Mae Smith Merritt age 90 of Maryville passed away Monday, November 3, 2014 at Asbury after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Preceded in death by: Husband, A.H. "Bill" Merritt (1990); Parents, K.O. & Viola Smith. She was an only child and a dedicated Mom to four children. Sylvia & Bill first lived in Maryville in 1945 for Bill to learn to fly at McGhee Tyson in the Army Air Corp. After Bill's retirement, they were able to follow their dream of flying their own small airplane, and Sylvia became a pilot as well. In 1984, they moved back to Maryville. Sylvia was an avid traveler to five continents and a member of The Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots. Sylvia worked at Proffitt's and Belk's. She is survived by four children, Constance E. Merritt, her companion and caretaker for the last 8 years, Candy McClanahan (Robert) of Maryville, Bill Merritt (Terrie) of Missouri, and Lynn Ekstedt (Tom) of Oregon; Seven Grandchildren, Christie McClanahan Patrick (Jason) of Friendsville, Leah McClanahan Flynn (Chris) of Friendsville, Andrew, Jeffrey & Kira Ekstedt of Oregon, Lareesa Merritt of Virginia, Sean Merritt (Kate) of Rhode Island; Great-Grandchildren, Ian Patrick, Jack & Samuel Flynn, and Miles & Oliver Merritt. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, November 7, 2014 at Smith Trinity Chapel with funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM with Pastor Laura Rasor officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 8, 2014 at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Alzheimer's Association, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or Broadway United Methodist Church, Brown Food Pantry, 309 E Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sylvia Mae Merritt please visit our Sympathy Store.