Mrs Loyce Merlene Jolly

October 16, 1921 - May 10, 2021

Loyce Merlene Jolly Jacksonville, FL Loyce Merlene Jolly, age 99, was called to heaven by her Lord and Savior on May 10, 2021. She was born in Neshoba County, Mississippi on October 16, 1921 to Alford and Sudie Spears. As the daughter of a share cropper, Merlene learned at an early age, what it meant to do hard work. She also knew the importance of an education and had a love for learning. When she was 15 Merlene gave her heart and life to Christ, and she was changed forever. When she was 16 she met the love of her life, Lamar Jolly and they were married on July 27, 1940. During their life together Merlene served along side Lamar as a pastor’s wife, at twelve different churches in California, Mississippi, Tennessee and Florida. In 1957 Merlene graduated from Mississippi College with a teaching degree and went on to receive her Masters in Library Science from MTSU. In addition to teaching for over 27 years, Merlene was responsible for starting the library at Laverne School in Murfreesboro, TN. In 1983, she and Lamar settled in Carthage, MS. As a member of Sunrise Baptist Church, she continued to teach Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was active in WMU for many years. Merlene loved spending time in her vegetable garden, tending to her flowers, and making beautiful flower arrangements. In 1999 Merlene moved to Florida. She continued to serve in her home church and enjoyed sewing, knitting and cross-stitch in her free time, but it was spending time with her family that brought her the most enjoyment. Merlene is preceded in death by her parents, Alford and Sudie Spears; her loving husband of 52 years, Reverend Lamar Jolly; her sister, Sue Breazeale; and two brothers, Edward Spears and Tom Spears. She is survived by her children, Linda Jolly Westbrook (Ken) and Jim Jolly (Judy); four grandchildren, David Westbrook (Melissa), Angela Dennis (Ben), Brad Jolly (Jody), and Jason Jolly (Erin); ten great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two brothers, James Wimp Spears and Jerry Spears (Becky); her sister-in-law, Jean Spears and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Merlene leaves behind a beautiful legacy of selflessness, servanthood, love, and faith in Jesus Christ. Funeral services to be held at Sunrise Baptist Church, Carthage, MS May 13th, 10:00 AM visitation, 10:30 the service.