Velda R. Merriman, 93, of Vandalia, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at Willowbrook Memory Care, Vandalia, IL.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 6, 2021, at Unity Baptist Church, Vandalia, IL, with Pastor Robert Weaver officiating. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery, Fillmore, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 6, 2021, prior to the service at the church. Memorials: Fillmore Baptist Church, and/or Unity Baptist Church. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.

She was born December 29, 1927, in Beaumont, TX, the daughter of Robert Windes & Lillie (Williams) Morgan. Married Charles Ward Merriman on March 8, 1946 in Oakdale, LA, and he brought her to his home in Fillmore, IL, after he came home from the war. There they raised four daughters. In 1966 after all her girls were in school, Velda started working for USPS, first as a clerk in Fillmore and Vandalia. Then in May of 1985 she was appointed Postmaster in Fillmore, after the death of her husband. She retired from this position in June of 1988.

Velda was a faithful member of Fillmore Baptist Church, Fillmore, IL, where she and Ward raised their daughters and then later at Unity Baptist Church, Vandalia, IL. She will be remembered as a Godly, faithful prayer warrior, especially on behalf of her family, praying for them, by name, everyday. Velda loved to sing and had a beautiful voice, she passed her love for music to her daughters and it is still going strong down through her great grandchildren. The heritage of serving the Lord, that started with Velda's grandparents, is still strong and powerful in her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by: Daughters - Marcia Walker, Collinsville, IL, Jean Fulton & Greg, Arcola, IL, Susan Culbertson & Bob, Vandalia, IL and Myra Talkington & Ron, Sherwood, AR; Grandchildren - Donald Arndt & Julie, Daneta Sims & Adam, Jacob Culbertson & Carrisa, Stefan Arndt & Jodi, Bryan Culbertson & Jodi, Julie Lay & David, and Bailey and Maggie Fulton; and 17 Great Grandchildren.

Preceded in death by: Parents; Husband; Daughter - Lynn; 2 Brothers; and 3 Sisters.