MaryAnne Merryfield

MaryAnne Murchison Robinson Merryfield, 89, passed away peacefully June 14, 2022, surrounded by family. She is survived by husband James L. Merryfield, daughter Eugenia Love Robinson, granddaughter Emily Eugenia Shanks (First Sergeant Michael Shanks) and several nieces and nephews. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, August 2, 1932, MaryAnne was the youngest child of Dewey Evins Murchison and Emma Lou Holman Murchison. Siblings Dewey Evins Murchison, Jr. and Eugenia Murchison Harris preceded her in death. She was married to Jesse David Robinson, Jr. from 1955 until his death in 1982. Son Phillip Evins Robinson passed away in 2008. MaryAnne loved her children, her family, and her home and she surrounded herself with exquisite heirloom antiques. She enjoyed travelling and she and Jim spent many happy hours together seeing the world--- New Zealand and Canada to name but two excursions. When daughter Eugenia was invited to a professional conference in England and opted to take Emily along, Jim insisted MaryAnne go along as well ~~as a ‘nanny’ ~~because, according to him, “no proper British experience for a child is complete without a nanny.” Beach trips, road trips, and spontaneous trips were easily added to her calendar at a moment’s notice whenever the opportunity arose. Anyone who spent time with MaryAnne quickly learned that the two things that brought her the most joy were her only granddaughter and her dogs. In almost every photo of her childhood, MaryAnne can be seen holding a dog, hugging a dog, or standing beside a dog. Space does not permit naming the many furry friends who kept her company, but most recently tiny Pomeranian Leo took that job very seriously. To quote Jim, “She could never say ‘no’ to a dog or kid.” When asked about a career, MaryAnne would always say that her career had been “wife, mother, and grandmother,” and you need only ask which she preferred to hear endless stories describing the many moments and memories she and Emily shared. Precious. Priceless. MaryAnne graduated from Woodlawn High School (Birmingham) and although she studied Interior Design at Jefferson State Junior College, she really needed no help at all to create a beautiful, warm, inviting home. Entertaining friends and family was a favorite pastime and she did so in true southern style. Described as “classy”, “elegant”, and “regal”, she always took great satisfaction in her role as matriarch of the family. The circle of love that surrounded her was deep and wide and her presence will be greatly missed. One friend said it best,” She was full of grace and kindness. She was always so stylish with a lovely smile on her face and extending the hand of friendship. Could anyone ever forget her soft, lilting Southern accent? It was beautiful. Just like she was.” She loved Gone With the Wind, Turner Classic Movies, and Flea Market Flip. Quite the accomplished seamstress, some of her most impressive creations were costumes for Eugenia’s musical theatre days in high school and college, and a Christening gown and dresses for Emily. Her final piece, completed only three years ago, was a quilt for Emily, displaying tiny miniatures and exact replicas of the many outfits she had sewn for her when Emily was little. Although she would say that she was “not a very good artist,” her paintings say otherwise. As handy with a hammer as she was with an artist’s brush, her creativity and resourcefulness resulted in many imaginative projects. Although cooking was not her favorite thing to do, she was well-known for her country fried steak, peach cobblers, and cornbread. She loved boiled shrimp, bar-b-que and Cokes in tiny bottles. She loved hats, shoes, and big jewelry. Summer was her favorite season, so it seems fitting that she is now wrapped in eternal summer. In the early years, she could be found at her parents’ Coosa River cabin and in later years poolside from sunup to sundown. Plans were in place for some special trips and events this summer, among them a 90th birthday celebration. Instead, she is on a journey we had not planned, but one we can celebrate because we loved her so. “Travel safely home, Mrs. Merryfield.” A Celebration of Life will be held August 6, 2022 Lillian United Methodist Church 12770 South Perdido Street Lillian AL 36549 Memorial contributions may be made to: Bonaparte’s Retreat P.O Box 150232 Nashville TN 37215 info@bonapartesretreat.org or Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville 414 Harding Place Nashville TN 37211 www.habitatnashville.org