Obituary of Joan Merrick

Joan Merrick (nee Fleming), 76, of Fort Collins, Colorado, peacefully departed this life on Monday, October 11. Joan was born on September 2, 1934 in Miami Beach, Florida, where her maternal grandfather served as the first fire chief of that city. The family later transferred to Ocala, where she remained until moving west to Montrose, Colorado. From there, she retired to Fort Collins to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Péré, and grandchildren, Ethan and Mia Péré, of Fort Collins; her brother, Dr. James Fleming and wife Nancy, of Atlanta, and their children Jennifer Bartlett and Stuart Fleming; her sister, Fran Smith, of Ocala and her children Lee, Lorre, and Steven Smith. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, James and Alma Fleming of Ocala. Joan had many fond memories of her childhood on the Miami coast: spotting a U-boat during World War II; spending time with her brother and sister visiting relatives in Georgia, Kansas, and elsewhere; and visiting her father and grandfather at the fire station. She later worked as a switchboard operator, and gave much comfort and support to her parents, to whom she was devoted. After moving to Montrose, she took on a new role as a full-time mother and homemaker, before opening her heart and arms to a variety of families for whom she served as an in-home childcare provider. Although she had only one child of her own, she found the large family she'd always wanted through the many little ones that she cared for and loved over the years. Joan was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who was happiest when enjoying her home and family. She loved to bake treats for her grandson and displayed the patience of a saint over multiple games of Candyland with her granddaughter. Her humor, love, wisdom, faith, and chocolate-chip banana bread sustained us all. All who met her liked her, and those who knew her loved her. If she had a flaw, it was in not recognizing the strength, wit, and courage that were so much a part of her. We did not deserve her, but we are grateful that she was ours, even if our time with her was all too short. A graveside service in commemoration of Joan's life will be held on Friday, October 15 at 11:00 a.m., at Highland Memorial Park in Ocala. Any who wish to join her family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to one of her favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Alzheimer's Association, or the Florida United Methodist Children's Home. Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL.