Ronald Merritt

Ronald Deval Merritt was born on August 13, 1958, in Philadelphia PA, to the late Carlton and Campin Merritt(Ms. Candy).

On Monday, April 4, 2022, he transitioned peacefully into our Heavenly Father’s arms, after the battle with his illness.

Deval as he was tenderly known, was raised in a Christian family home and was baptized at an early age with his brother (Leon) and sister (Carol) at Christ Memorial Baptist Church. Deval was educated in the Philadelphia School system, and graduated from Murrell Dobbins Career & Technical Education High School in June 1977.

Deval studied to be a Precision Machinist, and was a member of the gymnastic team, where he was awarded many trophies. Post-graduation, Deval worked for Derbyshire Machine & Tool as a Precision Machinist until 1982 when he suffered an illness. He then worked various jobs assisting Mr. Manns, a Home Contractor who lived on Uber Street where Deval lived in the family home. While attending Dobbins, Ronald met his high school love and, shortly after graduating, was joined in holy matrimony to Polly Hardnett (Merritt). From this union, one child was born: Rhondell Daniese Merritt (Avery).

Deval was a kind, loving and quiet soul and did not rush to go anywhere, But he would be there if you needed him. He loved listening and singing along to R&B oldies. After learning of his diagnosis, Deval accepted it and was ready for the day when God would call him home. Deval was preceded in death by Carlton Hezekiah Merritt(Father),Campin B. Merritt(Mother),and Carlton Leon Merritt (brother). Deval was the youngest of three children.

Deval leaves to cherish his memories:One daughter, Rhondell Daniese Avery. Two grandchildren:Tyler Donnell Johnson and Anya’e Simone Avery. One sister, Carol Larue Davis and Brother-in-Law: Norman Davis. Two Aunts:Deloris (Dee) Bowman and Sadie Merritt, and one Uncle, James Leroy Merritt. A host of other loved ones including nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Our family would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the many kind expressions of sympathy, words of comfort, and prayers extended during our time of grief. In addition, the family would like to extend a special and warm appreciation to the Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center, Reverends Todd Johnson and Dr. Liat Richardson-Owens, Eugene Golbourne, and the 5600 Block of North Uber Street.

May God forever bless and keep each one of you in His tender loving care.

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