Mrs. Mamie A. Merrifield

On Friday, October 15, 2021, God called home our beloved Mamie Azalea Jennings Merrifield, treasured wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and friend. 

Mamie was born on March 5, 1950 in Shuqualak, Mississippi, the youngest daughter of the late Henry and Rosa B. (Coleman) Jennings. 

Raised in Anderson, Indiana, Mamie received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in education from Indiana University, and she received her Administrators Education Certification from the University of Minnesota. Mamie served with distinction for two decades as an outstanding teacher in Bloomington, IN, and as a principal in Evansville, IN and Minneapolis, MN. Following her career as an award-winning administrator, Mamie joined the National Urban Alliance (NUA) for Public Education as director for the Birmingham City/UBA Trust Initiative in Birmingham, AL. 

While at Indiana University, Mamie met fellow student Norman C. Merrifield to whom she was married for more than 50 years. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and a founding member of the IU alumnae chapter. She was also the first (1969) Miss Black Anderson winner. Mamie enjoyed nature, her daily walks along the Chesapeake Bay beach, bike rides and line dancing with friends, and most of all, she treasured her many travels and adventures with her husband, children, grandchildren and countless friends.

Mamie is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Clay Jennings and Rosa B. Jennings; brothers; Earl Jennings, Herman Jennings, Benny Jennings, and sisters, Helen Linton and Marilyn Tilford. She leaves to cherish her memory her supportive and loving husband of more than 50 years,  Dr. Norman C. Merrifield. Mamie’s love for her three adult children was immense and unconditional, Marilyn (Donald) Hayes, Los Angeles, CA, Norman L. (Christal) Merrifield, Nashville, TN, and Clay Jennings Merrifield, Richmond, VA. Her special loves without question were her grandchildren, N. Blake and Kylan Merrifield, Nashville, TN, and Ava Mamie and Paige Rita Hayes, Los Angeles, CA. Mamie leaves two loving siblings, Kelly (Frances) Jennings, Los Angeles, CA, and Tommy Jennings, Flint, MI.  

It is the desire of the Merrifield family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation in Mamie’s name to the American Cancer Society or Delta Sigma Theta Alumna Chapter, Bloomington, Indiana.

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