Carol Merrill

Carol Keating Merrill, age 87, of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025 after a short illness. Carol was born in Memphis, Tennessee on September 10, 1937, the eldest daughter of Hugh and Joy Keating. She grew up in Olive Branch, Mississippi, attending elementary and high school. She was very active in numerous school and church activities. She sang in a trio giving performances in the area. She received a BA from the University of Mississippi. She earned a double major in French and English and was active in campus and sorority music programs. She was a member of the Phi Mu sorority.

After graduating in 1959, she married George Theodore "Ted" Merrill and began a marriage of 66 years filled with deep love, laughter, and joy. Their first home as a married couple was Columbia, Tennessee, where their first daughter, Vera Susan was born in 1961. The next move was to Nashville, where Linda Joy was born in 1963. Later moves included Memphis, Jacksonville, Florida and finally, Kalamazoo. In every city, Carol was very active in church music programs. In Kalamazoo she earned her Medical Assistant certification and then became the director of the Medical Assistant program at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She was active in P.E.O. Chapter Q and youth music programs. She retired to spend time with her beloved grandchildren and to cultivate her beautiful gardens at home.

Carol was predeceased by her parents and sister Lynn Morgan. She is survived by her husband Ted Merrill, daughters Susie Jabbour of Memphis, Linda Jackson (Charles Patrick) of Bloomingdale, Georgia, grandchildren Justin Jabbour of Memphis, Will Jackson of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Caroline (Matt) Mason of Macon, Georgia. Carol was loved well and will be missed dearly. The world has lost an infectious laugh and beautiful song.

Memorials may be made in Carol's memory to Michigan P.E.O. Chapter Q in care of Sheree Sorensen, 325 Mill St., Constantine, MI 49042, or to the organization of your choice.

Please visit Carol's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories at https://www.Langelands.com