Merry Gail Black was born along with her twin, Millie (who preceded her in death) on May 9, 1943, to Roy and Elbie Watkins in Douglas, Arizona. She passed away July 30, 2023, in Longview, Washington, surrounded by family.
Merry grew up in Phoenix, Oregon, and spent her 20s and 30s traveling around the states. She moved to the Longview and Woodland area 55 years ago and has called it her home ever since. Sewing, putting puzzles together and being around people were some of her favorite things. Her love for people 50 years ago brought her to know the Lord. Merry loved the Lord and was an amazing prayer warrior and could often be found waking early to pray fervently for whomever the Lord placed on her heart that day. She loved her family and enjoyed being silly with her grandkids and great-grandkids. Along with her biological children and grandchildren, there were many that called her grandma as well. Grandma Merry loved so many and gave family, love and acceptance to so many around her.
Merry is survived by her children, Cheryl Peterson and her husband, Mike Peterson, Chris Roth and significant other, Marylin Borden, Shaleen Lomen and her husband, Garry Lomen, Craig Black and his wife, Kim Black, Terri McGee, Lisa Black Straughan and Don Robert Black. She had 29 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Black, daughter Suzie Johnson, grandsons Benjamin Peterson and Robert Jouwsma, great-grandchildren Veyda Roth and Emma Roth.
A celebration of life will be held at noon on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at The Promise Church at 101 Hillshire Drive, Woodland, Washington. A barbecue reception will be held after at a different location, address will be given at the celebration of life.
