Willa Faye Merrill, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and talented seamstress, passed away peacefully at her home in Delmar on Monday, Dec. 29. Born on Sept. 28, 1939, in Parsons, WV, Willa Faye lived a full and vibrant life, marked by hard work, creativity, and love for family. She was a daughter of the late William E. Goff and Lillian Knotts Goff.
In her early career, Willa Faye worked diligently as a nurse’s aide at Peninsula General Hospital in Salisbury. She later discovered her passion for sewing, which led her to a fulfilling career as a seamstress at Canvas Experts in Ocean City, where she specialized in crafting canvas products for airplanes, boats, and awnings. Known for her incredible work ethic, Willa was dedicated to her craft, and her family will cherish the handmade clothing, wedding dresses, and special items she created for them, each piece filled with love and care.
Beyond her work, Willa Faye had a passion for raising chickens and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She was also an avid motorcyclist, sharing many joyful road trips on her Gold Wing with her late husband, Ralph, and participating in clubs, including the Delaware Chapter B Club. Willa Faye also was passionate about her church, St. Paul’s Church in Laurel, and hardly missed a service over the past several years.
Willa is survived by her daughters, Carla Parker and husband, Frank and Donna Hurley and husband, Patrick; grandchildren, April Kerfoot and husband Rick, Sherry Lewis, Zachary Merrill, Joel Hurley and wife Shauna, Ashley Hurley and Alexis Hurley; great-grandchildren, Kerrigan Kerfoot, Aidan Kerfoot, Emma Lewis, Alexis Parker, Abbigale Parker, Alivia, Grayson, Taliah, DJ and Aliana; sister-in-law, Ginnie Goff; and a host of loving nieces and nephews, family and friends who will remember her warmth, creativity, and unyielding spirit.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by beloved husband of 65 years, Ralph David Merrill, Sr.; son, Ralph David Merrill, Jr.; a grandson, Frank Parker, III; and three brothers and a sister.
Funeral services for Willa Faye were held on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Pastor Jack Jester officiated. Internment followed at Line Cemetery in Delmar.
Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society by visiting www.cancer.org/donate.
Willa Faye Merrill’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and she will be dearly missed.