Desiree Merritt

Major (Ret) Desiree Merritt passed away peacefully at her home in Walkersville, MD on May 31, 2020 after a hard fought, years-long battle with ovarian cancer.  She departed for Heaven while surrounded by loving, devoted family members.  Desiree was born March 31, 1960 to Edwin (Ed) and June P. (Redmond) Merritt in Philadelphia, PA.  Upon graduating from Overbrook High School, she completed her Bachelor Degree in Business Management at LaSalle University.  Desiree was, subsequently, commissioned as a Medical Service Corps officer in the U.S. Army, where she served honorably and with distinction for 20 years.  After military retirement, she proudly served the Frederick, MD community as a volunteer supporting the Meals on Wheels program and American Red Cross.

Desiree is survived by her parents; her loyal husband, James Richard III; her extremely devoted daughter, best friend, and pride and joy, Marie A. White; her step-son, Dominique L. Richard; her step-daughter, Tierra A. (Charles) Landry; her very loyal sister Renee Merritt; her father- and mother-in-law, James Jr. and Claudia A. Richard; her brother-in-law, Jimmie L. Johnson; her sister-in-law, Sharon E. (Richard) Hughes; her sister-in-law, Vicky Y. Hughes; her brother-in-law, Karl D. (Teene) Richard, Sr.; four step-grandchildren, Noah J. Landry, Abigail J. Landry, Micah B. Landry, and Sarai A. Landry; three nieces, Tishina Merritt, Dominique Merritt, and Natasha Prosser; two nephews, Nasir Merritt and Nathan Prosser; and a host of loving great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives, and  friends.

Desiree was an extremely loving, loyal, and devoted daughter, wife, mother, daughter-in-law, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend.  She loved traveling and being adventurous.  She had an overwhelming love for all animals and living things; she especially loved flowers.  Desiree loved her dogs, Yaharra, Mikayla, Thor, and Eva.  Most importantly, Desiree loved bringing joy to the world, seeing the beauty of things, and helping others to smile and do the same.  Anyone wishing to honor Desiree’s memory can do so by donating funds and/or time to helping the less fortunate, to include animals who need protection.