Gladys Geneva (Campbell) Merritt

Gladys Geneva Campbell Merritt, lovingly known for her sassy charm and warm smile, passed away on January 10, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. She was 89 years old.

Gladys was born on January 26, 1936, in Durant, Mississippi, to the late John Wesley Campbell and Lillie Mae Carson Campbell. From an early age, she carried a strength and joy that followed her throughout her life and touched everyone she encountered.

A woman of deep faith, Gladys was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Tupelo, where she also served as a member of the United Methodist Women. Her faith guided her daily life and shaped the love she poured into her family and community.

Gladys truly loved life. She enjoyed playing Scrabble and cards, listening to music, laughing, and spending quality time with the people she loved most. She was known for her bubbly personality, quick wit, and a little sass that kept everyone on their toes. Above all else, Gladys was family-oriented. Her home and heart were always open, and she took great pride in caring for and nurturing those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Merritt; her son, James Allen Merritt; her sisters, Lillie Ruth Wells and Betty Mae Smiley; and her brother, John Elbert Campbell.

Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her sons, Cedric Merritt and Dexter Merritt (Priscilla); her special nephew who was raised as a brother, Melvin Campbell; her granddaughter Princess Merritt who was raised as a daughter; eight grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever carry her love in their hearts.

The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Tupelo.  Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on January 22, 2026, at St. Paul United Methodist Church and last until the funeral time. 

Associated Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the Merritt family in their time of loss.

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