Anita Ann Matthis Merritt went to be with the Lord June 29, 2017 in Wilmington, NC.

She was born in Sampson County on November 4, 1933 to the late Bryant Newkirk Matthis and Manie Clyde Knowles Matthis. Anita was raised in Sampson County, then moved to Wilmington and started her life with Purdy.

Anita worked at A & P Store, was the owner and operator of Merritt's Trash service, Shoreline motel at Carolina beach, and was the prior owner of Merritt's Burger house.

In addition to her parents, Anita was preceded in death by her loving husband, Maury Ward "Purdy" Merritt, Jr.; brothers, Jarvis Matthis, Bryant Matthis, and Joseph Matthis, and sisters, Elizabeth Matthis Brown and Lillian Matthis.

She is survived by numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be 6:00-7:30 PM Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the Quinn McGowen Wilmington Chapel; 315 Willow Woods Dr. Wilmington, NC 28409.

Funeral Services will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, July 2, 2017 at Trinity United Methodist Church; 1690 Trinity Church Road., Magnolia, NC 28453. Reverend Dorothy Rudd and Minister Chuck Yancy will officiate.

Pallbearers are: Johnnie Bryant, Andy Smith, William Hatcher, Chrisjohn Evans, Chris Matthis, Dwight Maready, Chris Davis, and Elliot Matthis.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Gavin Matthis, Lee Matthis, Billy Peterson, Graham Merritt III, John Scurlock, Andrew Potter, Riley Merritt, Graham Merritt, Sr., Blade Brown, Tom Matthis, James Merritt, Will Johnson, and Mark Lane Sr.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial Donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church; 1690 Trinity Church Road., Magnolia, NC 28453 or Red Hill Universalist Church 7031 Taylors Bridge Hwy. Clinton, NC 28328.