Obituary of Gladys W. Merritt

Merritt, Gladys W., 99, of St. Petersburg, died Monday July 17, 2000 at Hospice Woodside in Pinellas Park. A native of Pasco Station, FL, she moved to the Pinellas County area in 1920 from Dade City, where she has lived in Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Largo and Seminole. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in St. Petersburg, and was the last charter member living. She taught Sunday school continuously from teenage years to the month before she died. She was the 1st Protestant schoolteacher in Florida, St. Leo?s Catholic School. She received her teaching certificate from St. Leo?s Normal School. Survivors include 4 daughters, Eunice M. Durr and Vivien A. Silk both of St. Petersburg, Jean C. Eastridge of Largo, Verna F. Eastridge of Zephyrhills; 25 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 24 great-great grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen-Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel, St. Petersburg, FL.