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June 15, 1928 – Sept. 20, 2024

NATCHEZ – Audrey L. Merritt, 96, passed away on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at her home in Covington, LA. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Natchez City Cemetery. Mrs. Merritt was born on June 15, 1928, in Lee County, KY to Donnelly and Bertha Smyth. Audrey is formerly of Natchez, Baton Rouge, LA, and Lockport, IL, where she was co-owner of the Koffee Kup Cafe for many years with her sister, Eula Stanford.

Audrey is preceded in death by her husband, Roy C. Merritt; her parents, Donnelly and Bertha Smyth; sisters, Eula (Bill) Stanford, and Lue (Sam) Wilson; brothers, Bren (Dorsie) Smyth, Cecil Smyth, Ned Smyth, and Hobert (Jean) Smyth.

She is survived by her daughter, Cliffie (Conrad, Jr.) Anderson of Covington, LA; grandchildren, Conrad (Alex) Anderson IV of Birmingham, AL, and Nicholas (Casey) Anderson of Madison, MS; great-grandchildren, Lewis, Preston, and Miller Anderson of Birmingham, AL, and Olivia and Sophie Anderson of Madison, MS; and brothers, Jack (Joyce) Smyth of Plainfield, IL, and Bill (Zana) Smyth of Clay City, KY. She is also survived by her stepson, Bucky Merritt of Vidalia; step-daughter, Alicia (Tim) Yielding of Vidalia; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Audrey loved her family and showed her love to them through her cooking and quilting skills. Her family wishes to give a special “thank you” to Dr. Jose Serio for years of attentive and compassionate care and to her Foundations Hospice team, specifically Megan and Merry, for their skills and caring attention.

Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org/give, to the Natchez Humane Society at nachs.org/donations, or to a charity of your choice.

E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, LA, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Merritt’s funeral arrangements. Her family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at www.ejfieldingfh.com.