Mrs. Wilmer A. "Big Ann" (Davis) Merrick

December 28, 1948 - September 3, 2021

UTICA - Mrs. Wilmer A. “Big Ann” (Davis) Merrick, age 72, passed away on Friday, September 3, 2021. God carried her through this difficult time, and he did not leave her when she needed him most.. On December 28, 1948 in Americus, Georgia, the late Wilmer Davis and Eva Mae Frederick welcomed their 2nd Beautiful Baby Girl and she was given her name Wilmer Ann Davis as her father’s namesake. She grew up in the homes of her cherished grandmothers Pearl Dean McKune and Berline Merritt Davis, along with her mother Eva and her siblings. Back in the day, she also had been known to many as Cheetah. On December 31, 1986 Wilmer wed Glenn E. Merrick with whom she shared 26 years as the care taker of their marriage prior to his passing on April 7, 2013. Wilmer was an open-hearted soul and after raising her own children she loved other children who often called her Mom. It was difficult for her own children to accept, but as they matured, they understood and were so proud of the power of their mom’s love to look over and raise many children, …the love in her heart was endless. She was a strong warrior, determined, honest, and she never took kindly to people who spoke untruths. She often spoke her piece, and she meant what she said, and then she would smile. She never had a reason to lock her doors at night because anyone in need was welcome. She was non-confrontational, but if you messed with her children, she was very protective. As the matriarch of the family she saw fit to watch over all the generations, and she was particularly mindful of the way her grandchildren were treated, reared, and disciplined. A great shopper, Wilmer dressed to impress and was known for her stilettos! Her foot long, red-colored nails were precious! She showed them with a caveat that you could look at them, but there was no touching them! She liked spicy food, collard greens with only the hottest peppers, and the hottest of sauces. She prepared crab legs with a special combination of seasonings, and to this day the recipe was not to be duplicated and remains legendary! Her preference on her plate was served for her with an obvious division of not one piece of food touching another, and you better get it right! KFC was her go to, and she only ordered the white meat! Pepsi was her favorite Pop, only Maxwell House coffee made with 3 sugars and Coffee Mate could please her palate; and back in the day, that would be accompanied with a Salem cigarette. If she was looking for an uplifting beverage she was known to appreciate Peach Moscato, and Crème de Banana liqueur. Wilmer had a passion for fishing, frequenting her favorite spots at Lake Moraine and Hatch Lake. She showed true patience even when others said there were no more fish to be found; she would stay casted well into the night often waiting on them, and as she would have predicted, those last fish would tug on her line. She also had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs that she imparted her time and energy to make sure they were well trained and well behaved. When she was home relaxing, she enjoyed scary movies on the Sci Fi Channel, MeTV, Bravo, Atlanta Housewives, and African based movies on Nollywood. She also loved to read, and don’t throw her newspaper away because she would read it from front to back on her own time. She was quite a prankster, loved to have fun, go to the park, see everyone, eat, talk, but don’t let a bug be around — she stopped and wanted it gone. She tilled the land each spring in anticipation of planting her garden adjacent to her home. Everything under the sun grew under her green thumb, from vegetables to flowers. Big Ann was a colorful woman and hugely vivacious. She was a person of wisdom and common sense. If the porch on her Neilson Street home could only talk, it would speak of the many who passed and conversed with Big Ann; that empty seat will never be filled and she will be missed. Wilmer was the glue that held her family together. She was a wonderful mom, and being a grandmother and great-grandmother was the greatest gift of her life. She loved them in a different way and treasured the everlasting love she had for them. She held a great affection for her siblings, and they always remained in her heart. Wilmer was raised in the church and was very faithful. The Lord’s Prayer was of great comfort to her, and “Footprints in the Sand” was her favorite poem. She believed in miracles, and that good things could happen for those who believed, …always leaving things in God’s hands. Wilmer is survived by her children and their loves, Brenda Jo Rodriguez, Theresa and Martin Serianni, Robert Lawrence Jr. and Latoya Lawrence and Robert’s current companion Yolanda Atkins, Carlene Lawrence, Reginald Sr. and Jackie Davis, and Almisha Carr; her grandchildren, Lucas Rodriguez, Ulysses Rodriguez Lewis, and Nikita Rodriguez; Tatiana, Sean, Aiden, and Jazmyne Serianni; Duchane Boyd, Robert Lee Lawrence III, Kristopher Lawrence, Lamar Jones, Paradyse, Mykayla, Promise, Patience, Ahriah, Passion, and Princess Lawrence; Philip Clarke, Jr.; Reginald Jr., Isabella, and Destiny Davis (preceded by grandson, Jermaine Emmanuel at the age of 1 who she cared for with a special love); her great-grandchildren, I’talia, and Jai’onna; Gianna “Lulu”, Kyle “Butter Baby”; Gabrielle, and Gior Boyd (preceded by Berlin Gustina); and her sisters, Rosie Robinson, Eva McFarley, and Angel Green. She will also be remembered by her nieces and nephews, especially Felicia Robinson, Minnie Davis, Robin and Nelson Davis, Carolyn Linen, Tiaynna and Robert Smith, Belinda and Devan Johnson, Maria and Damon Hansome, ShanQuesa Davis, Rogers Jackson III, Timothy Jackson, and Jermail Hammett. She held close to her heart her nieces and nephews who preceded her, Timothy Jordan, Patricia Jordan, and Roslyn Johnson; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Many friends blessed Wilmer’s life including Robert “Wolf” Lawrence who helped her raise her children. He was by her side and they grew to be best of friends. She even took in his children to help raise them with amazing kindness and care. She was predeceased by her sisters, Pearline Davis, and Melinda Linen; brother, Isaac Jenkins; and in-laws, Calvin and Carol Merrick. Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 19, 2021 from 2-4 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. Wilmer’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday afternoon, September 20, 2021 at 12:30 at Believer’s Miracle Deliverance Ministries, Inc., 207 Eagle Street, Utica, officiated by Bishop Darren Page. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.