Gregory Merrill

Mr. Gregory T. Merrill, our beloved son, husband, father and grandfather, made his transition to his eternal home on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at the age of 65 years. He was born on March 19, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Vealea Merrill and Julius Bell. Gregory was a proud graduate of St. Joseph Catholic High School class of 1966, where he starred on the school's basketball team. He also attended Delta College, where he studied psychology and sociology. He worked previously at Dow Chemical Corporation and was a General Motors retiree. Gregory loved basketball. He coached for various teams throughout the Saginaw area including Sacred Heart, Saginaw Public Schools and Police Community Relations Commission (PCRC) where he led the team to a city league championship. He also enjoyed television, staying abreast of current events and spending time with his family. Gregory was a jazz enthusiast from his heart. He was particularly proud of the achievements of his children. He leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted wife of nearly 40 years, Annette Merrill; his mother, Vealea and stepfather, Reverend Arthur Washington; four daughters, Coffiann U. Hawthorne Merrill, Esq., Jamaika Hawthorne Merrill, Melinda Walker and Lisa (Eligah) Jackson; one son, Devorious Laster; one step-daughter, Bridgette Hawthorne; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many other friends and relatives, including a beloved grandson, John Gregory, who tirelessly and effortlessly assisted in his daily care. He was preceded in death by his father, Julius Bell, his maternal grandmother, Annie L. Love, his maternal great-grandmother, Eliza Boyd, his paternal grandparents, Ben and Mary Bell, two very special uncles, Johnny B. Williams and Clarence Bell, and a very special cousin, Maxine Crayton. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Elizabeth Newton, Gregory's devoted home care aide for many years.
Visitation: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries
Service Plans: Paradise Funeral Chapel Obituaries