Dorothy Merriman Schaefer

Dorothy Merriman Schaefer, age 85 of Jonesboro our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt and best friend died Wednesday December 29, 2010 at 5:15 p.m. in the Jonesboro Rehab and Health Care Center after a lengthy illness. Dorothy was born February 26, 1925 in Buncombe to Charles and Pearl (Gould) Willyard. She worked hard and loved her family life, devoting herself to being a wife and mother. After her youngest child started school she worked at Union County Hospital and later went to work at Choate Mental Health Center where she dedicated herself to caring for the elderly. She retired after 20 years of service.Dorothy married Leon Merriman on July 7, 1942 and he preceded her in death on December 22, 1983. She is also preceded in death by one son, Stephen Merriman; three sisters; and one brother.In 1988 Dorothy married Thomas Schaefer of Jonesboro and they have spent 25 years of happiness together.Her last days were spent in love and peace surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren. She was also surrounded by the angels of Jonesboro Rehab and Health Care Center and Hospice who cared for her as if she were a part of their families. Dorothy is survived by her husband, Tom of Jonesboro; daughters, Carolyn (Lonnie) Harvel of Jonesboro, Betty (Steve) Bellamy of Vienna, and Judy (David) Johnson of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Scott (Carla) Harvel of Jonesboro, Lisa (Mitch) McRaven of Herrin, Tracey (Chuck) Thomas of Dongola, Richard (Pam) Harvel of Jonesboro, Michael (Sarah) Kerley of Kentucky, Melissa (Andy) Walczak of New Zealand, Angela Kerley of North Carolina, Natalie Clark, J.D. (Jessica) Johnson of Pennsylvania, and Matthew Bellamy of Carbondale; nineteen great-grandchildren; three great- great grandchildren and two on the way; step-children, Marilyn (Frank) Kniburys of Albion, MI and Joe Schaefer of Troy; step-grandchildren, John W. (Cris) Childers of Battle Creek, MI, Carrie (Dave) Robinson of Bloomington and Brian (Nicki) Schaefer; three step-grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; and one step great-great grandchild.Her beautiful heart touched everyone she met. We feel so blessed not only to have loved such a lovely woman, but also having the privilege to call her mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt and best friend.Funeral services for Dorothy Merriman Schaefer will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 1, 2011 at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Rev. Joe Aldridge and Rev. Todd Plunkett officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Jonesboro and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.