Malinda Merritt, 88, of Palatka (formerly of Jersey City, NJ) entered the sunset of life on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at her residence. She was the seventh of thirteen children born to Walter and Lucy (Jenkins) Legion. She was born on Wednesday, February 20, 1924 in Batesburg, SC. She was educated in the Saluda County SC School System (Ridge Spring High School). In 1947, she relocated to Jersey City, NJ and resided there until 2007, when she moved to Palatka. She was employed as a professional maid by the family who owned Wellen Oil. Since 1976, Malinda studied with Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Jersey City, NJ and in 2007 remained faithful upon her transition to Palatka. She enjoyed sewing. Although Malinda was small in stature, she had a heart full of love to share with others. In spite of her Alzheimer's condition, she never forgot Jehovah and his marvelous promises. She could be heard calling on Jehovah even if she forgot everyone else's name. She will be greatly missed by all. You will call and I will answer. Malinda is preceded in eternity by her parents; husband; brothers, Alvin, Walter, Cleveland, Jerome, Woodrow, Oblin, and Melvin; sisters, Marie, Evelyn and Ora Bell. To cherish her memories: loving son and daughter, Walter (Linda K.) Merritt and Hazel (Walter, Jr.) Hailey, all of Palatka; sisters, Beatrice (Darthy) Holloway, Philadelphia, PA; Annie Willie (Pete) Tolen, Batesburg, SC; 12 grandchildren, Willie Young Jr., Bridgette Norris, Erick Young, Walter Merritt Jr., Keith Merritt, Kevin Merritt, Lisa Merritt, Linda Monroe, Leslie Makey, Laurie Bennett, Lisa Hayes, Johnny Hayes and a host of great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; spiritual brothers and sisters; and dear friends. A memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012, at Palatka Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 201 Mission Road, Palatka. Brother Arthur Brown will conduct the memorial talk.