Deloris Jean Brown Merilus

Deloris Jean Brown-Merilus was born in Nashville, NC on January 19, 1953, to the late Florine Pittman and Johnny Battle. ‘Grandma D’ occasionally attended service at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church (Taft), where she was a faithful servant until God called her home.

Deloris was preceded in death by her Brother: Terry L Gardner, Sisters Hazel Ann and Dorothy M Gardner; and her Grandson: Antonio L. Battle.

Famously known as “Grandma D”, Deloris Brown was not only a mother and grandmother to our family but to an entire community. She would provide food and shelter for those who were less fortunate. Her doors were always open. ‘Grandma D’ was invested in the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her favorite quote was “I love you but Jesus loves you more”. 

Deloris leaves to cherish her husband: Raynold Merilus; her children: Sherran Buckner (Perlis) , Latrice Greene, Michael Brown and Rachel Brown; Aunt: Almond Battle of Orlando; Uncle: Louis Battle of Hampton, Va; 13 grandchildren: Kevin, Datroy, Iyana, Damesha, Jachia, Martino, Deshon, Deametrius, Zakieria, Markel, King, Zameer and Chance; 16 great grandkids and a host of cousins, nephews and nieces. She also leaves to cherish her beloved dog ‘White Boy’, who was by her side until the end. 

May her soul rest in eternal peace.