Merlyn James

Merlyn Lavon James was born on March 1, 1964 to Dr. Robert L. James and Ruby M. James. She is the eldest of four, born in Delaware, Ohio. She accepted the Lord in her life at an early age and even through her illness her life reflected the power of God’s love, His mercy, and His divine healing.

Merlyn graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1981. She received an Associates Degree in Accounting from Mansfield Business College. She also attended flight attendant school in Florida to become an airline stewardess.

Merlyn was loving and affectionate to all who knew her. She could light up a room with her energetic personality and contagious smile. She was known by family and friends as “MAGIC”. Although she had no children of her own, she had a special kind of love for them. Merlyn displayed that love through the vibrant relationships she had with each of her nieces and nephews. It did not just stop there; Merlyn was adventurous nothing stopped her! She moved to Boston shortly after college. Because of her love for kids, she pursued jobs centered around community development and youth mentorship. Merlyn was blessed with a job working with the inner-city youth in Boston Massachusetts, where she founded a dance group called “Sugar Hill Crew”! This group was designed to encourage and empower young girls with positive self-esteem, while using the art of dance to build and strengthen self-confidence. Merlyn did not just create a dance group she birthed a family with these young girls. She choreographed each step and allowed the unity in the moves to define the healing power of building relationships. They became a family, better individuals, and a better community. With hard work, commitment, and dedication Merlyn and these young ladies traveled and competed all over including New York City and Washington D.C. They also competed nationally and won the national title. She enjoyed life to the fullest and no matter the situation she would find a way to survive it with a smile on her face.

In her later days Merlyn suffered many challenging health issues but despite the challenges she faced she was faithful to her services even till the end. If her health permitted, she made sure she was on every prayer line and present for all virtually scheduled services. She loved the Lord and shared that with everyone she met.

Merlyn was loved and cherished by many. She leaves behind her beloved parents Robert L. James and Ruby M. James, sister Cynthia James and brother Roger James. A host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

On April 5, 2021 Merlyn was returned home to be with our Heavenly Father. She was proceeded in death by her grandparents Robert L. and Ruby M. Lusane, Sammy L. James, Louise James, and her baby sister Chantal D. James.

Visitation 4-6:00pm Saturday, April 10, 2021 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.

Interment 10:00am Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.