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.
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May God give you peace during this difficult time. We love you(Tyler,Amy,and Geneva Lusane
I believe I met her briefly around 1990, and always thought she had the most remarkable name. I worked with a nice young lady named Cynthia James who I believe was her younger sister. We all worked together at Wendy’s in Linworth, along with Stacia Nicely.I am sorry for your family’s loss.
I am sadden about Merlyn transition now she can rest in peace.In the arms of Jesus the GREATER AND MIGHTY COMFORTER I will keep you and family in prayer, hope to see you soon Love you Pastor and Sister James
We were saddened to hear of Merlyn’s passing, and yet we are joyful that she is no longer suffering in her mortal body. She is now with the Lord and she is at peace! We love you Pastor & Sis. James, and we are praying for you and the entire family.
My Heart and Prayers are with the whole James Family. Praying for healing for everyone. May the Lord continue to keep you all uplifted in him.
May God Continue to comfort you all in this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lillie Maddox
I pray the Lord give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.❤️❤️Love Peggy Green
It’s difficult to find the words to express my condolences for a loss that is today beyond the reach of comforting words success. It is my prayer that as you reflect on this terribly difficult day; that there will be some measure of comfort in knowing that a sister in Christ mourned with you the loss of someone so dear to you. God bless Elder and Mrs James, Cynthia and the entire extended family.
May God continue to strengthen you all in this difficult time. My love thoughts and prayers are with you. Rosie Rogers
We send our deepest condolences to the James family……
Im so sorry to hear this. This breaks my heart. She will be loved and missed by many… Now its time to rejoice that shes in no more pain and can be with the lord…
My deepest Condolences to my family. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending my love. “Bonnie” Bonita James Brown
Marilyn will be so missed at New Mount Sinai! She was always smiling and full of joy! Our condolences to her loving family. Rest in heaven our Sister!
Dear James Family, may God continue to bless and keep you as you go through this difficult time. God knows and He cares. Keep looking to Him for strength and guidance. While we know that only God and time can ease this pain, please know that we are praying with you daily. Feel free to contact me if there is anything you need of me. Merlyn will certainly be missed by so many of us. I am glad she knew the Lord. God bless and keep you all. Much love.
Supt. and Mother James, I have no words to offer, but know you and your family are in my prayers. Love you!
Heartfelt Prayers & Condolences from your NJ (Petey) Green Family.
We were deeply saddened to learn of Merlyn’s transition. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers during this difficult season. Much love.
Sending our sincere and deepest condolences to my family. We are praying for comfort during this time and days to come.
Emory and Venice James (Junnie) and family.
Sending lots of love and prayers to the family of Merlyn James. Your childhood neighbor, Tonya Roach-Wade
Sending love & blessings to the James family during your time of bereavement!!!
Pastor & Mother James Please accept my deepest Condolences during this time of mourning. Praying for the entire family.
To the Family, God’s comfort and peace in the passing of my classmate, Merlyn James