Eunice Merritt, 73, of Palatka, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following an extended illness. Born in Loughman, Florida, Eunice moved to Putnam County in 1986 from Ocala. She was a homemaker and a member of New Beginnings Baptist Fellowship. Eunice enjoyed fishing, cooking, helping others and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Merritt, her parents, Armenious Garriss and Beatrice Howard Garriss, a brother, W.E. Hamilton and 5 sisters, Verda Johnson, Inez Williams, Geraldine Easley, Lorine Dillingham and Joyce Dennis. Eunice is survived by her children, James Merritt of Palatka, Sherri Alford (Scott) of Palatka, Mary Philbrick of Ocala and Jimmy Merritt (Sandy) of Homasassa, a sister, Betty Dennis (David) of Hollister, 8 Grandchildren, Kaden Wyatt Merritt, Abbilyn Alford, Logan Alford, Emily Vickery (Curtis), Brenda Butzer (Mike), Rodney Philbrick (Heather), Edward Merritt (Tabitha) and Robert Merritt and several great and great-great-grandchildren. Services celebrating Eunice’s life will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at New Beginnings Baptist Fellowship, 915 S. Moody Road in Palatka, with Pastor Rick McClure officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Eunice’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.