Delinda Anne Merritt Ijames, affectionately called Linda, was born March 10, 1938, in Franklin County Georgia, daughter of the late Henry Darby Merritt, and Doris Scott Merritt. She attended the local schools and graduated from Franklin County Trade High School in the 11th grade, which was the highest grade offered at that time. She moved from Georgia with her relative, the late Minnie Mason, and attended Davie County Training School where she finished 12th grade in 1956. After completing the nurse assistant program at Davidson County Community College, she worked at Davie County Hospital. Later she worked for Total Care in Statesville, doing what she called "road running," traveling throughout eight counties, providing healthcare to people in their homes. From 1986 to 1994 she worked for Kimberly Clinic in Mocksville. She also did private care for the Kelly family and others in the community.

On June 29, 1963, Linda married the love of her life, Albert "Ted" Ijames. When Ted's health declined, Linda was his personal nurse. They enjoyed forty-three years of marriage before his death in 2006.

Linda and Ted were members of St John AME Zion Church, where Linda was active in a total of fourteen committees, choirs, missions, etc. She was a compassionate and giving person. As a widow, she started attending Clement Grove Church of God, 7th Day on Saturdays and became close friends with the pastor and church family, especially Regina Graham, Ph.D., who began volunteering to help Linda in various ways. She still attended St. John on Sundays until her health declined.

The community gave back to Linda when Randy Grubb and Hope Homes built her a new house on Spruce Street. She moved into the home in 2020. Linda didn't get to enjoy the residence for very long before her health declined and she became a resident at Davie Nursing and Rehabilitation, and later Silas Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation in Winston-Salem. Her brother Roy moved from Texas to Mocksville to provide special care. Linda's faith in God remained strong through her health challenges and on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, she passed at Silas Creek Nursing and Rehab.

Along with her husband, Albert "Ted" Ijames, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Billy Merritt, Henry Merritt, Aaron Merritt, Jane Merritt and Marilyn Merritt.

Those who will cherish her memory include twin brothers, Roy Merritt of Mocksville, NC and Coy (Mary Ann) Merritt, of Gainesville, Georgia, a sister-in-law and dear friend, Sandra Rivers, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many beloved friends.

In lieu of flowers, please support the scholarship fund provided by Davie County Training/Central Davie High School. Donations should be made payable to Davie Community Foundation, and mailed to P.O. Box 546, Mocksville, NC 27028. Please include a memo with the school name.


Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Roberts Funeral Service Chapel with a 30 minute visitation prior to service time. Burial will follow at St. John A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery. Public viewing will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the funeral home.