She was born in Laurens County on December 7, 1919, to the late J. Frank and Eunice Bishop Crowder. She was retired from Torrington Company. For most of her life, she was an active member of Little River Dominick Presbyterian Church, having taught Sunday school for over 30 years and serving in many other capacities. Mrs. Merchant was a graduate of Bush River School where she was a star basketball player and was also the valedictorian of her graduating class. She had a love for wild flowers, and enjoyed the time she spent at their mountain home in Newland, NC.
She was predeceased by a son, William Ervin Merchant; two granddaughters, Tracy Stutts and Allison Sims; and her brother C. Randolph Crowder.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Ervin Merchant; daughters and son-in-law, Sadie Merchant of Kinards, Ann and Bud Vassey of Maine, and Terry Merchant of Coronaca; a son and his wife, Gregg and Marilyn Merchant of Kinards; sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Ray Hawkins of Columbia; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, at Little River Dominick Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Lawrence Peebles. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service on Wednesday beginning at 1 p.m. Family and friends are also invited to visit at the residence, 10102 Bush River Road, Kinards, S.C.
Memorials are suggested to Little River Dominick Presbyterian Church, Special Maintenance Offering, 8654 Highway 56, Kinards, SC 29355.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, S.C., is assisting the family.
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