Emma “Louise” Merritt
Emma Louise Merritt, 101, of Silsbee, graduated to heaven on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. She was born on November 28, 1923, in Brookeland, to Rosie Stott Flowers and Charlie Jackson Flowers.
Sweet Louise spent a lifetime serving others, family, friends, and the church. She dedicated her life to creating smiles and joyful memories through her delicious dishes, incredible hospitality, and sweet hugs — hence, Sweet Louise.
Louise spent most of her career as a nurse’s assistant and retired at 62 to become a stay-at-home cooking expert, treating guests to amazing Sunday pot roasts and all the fixins. She is most renowned for her sweet pies and cakes, and boy, were they great! All attendees for her memorial service will receive her secret “Sweet Louise” Pecan pie recipe! One last sweet parting gift.
Survivors include her son, Kenneth Merritt of Silsbee; grandchild Mistie Angelo and her husband, Jeff, of Montgomery; great-grandchildren Zachary Angelo and his wife, Becca; Nicolas Angelo; and Zoe Angelo; great-great-grandchild Ollie Angelo; and sister, Ruth Alexander of Buna. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Otho Frank Merritt; her son, James Howard Smith; her daughter, Mary Ann Beshears; and her siblings, Charles Flowers, Bill Flowers, Tommy Flowers, Marie Creel, Louzelle Johnson, and Richard Flowers.
A gathering of Mrs. Merritt’s family and friends will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at First Pentecostal Church, 1420 North 5th Street, Silsbee. Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at First Pentecostal Church, with interment to follow at Antioch Cemetery in Buna, under the direction of Broussard’s, located at 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Pentecostal Church, P.O. Box 1677, Silsbee, Texas 77656.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
First Pentecostal Church-Silsbee
- 1420, North 5th Street, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- April 8, 2025
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
First Pentecostal Church-Silsbee
- 1420, North 5th Street, Silsbee, Texas, 77656,
- April 9, 2025
- 10:00 am
Interment
Antioch Cemetery-Buna
- 1850, Farm to Market 1004, Buna, Texas, 77612,
- April 9, 2025
Kenny, I am so sorry. I know how much you love and respect your Mother. You took wonderful care of her. She was so proud of you. I’m praying that peace and comfort surrounds you throughout this time. God bless you and keep you.
Love your friend,
Dwayne McClusky Norton
Without doubt Sister Merritt and Granny Powell are running the golden streets! There are not many memories I have of Granny since marrying into the family that Sister Merritt were not in, Prayers for peace ♥♥
Sis. Merritt, my pew partner, oh how we will miss you so. You were always so happy, and I loved spending time with you! Kenny, you are such a wonderful son that devoted you every waking minute for the last several years to your mother. I’m thankful that she had you!
Kenny, Jeff & Mistie – we are praying for strength and peace in the days ahead, but please know she is shouting on the streets of glory, having a grand ole time with Sis. Powell!
We love y’all,
John and Brandy Ross
Ms Merritt was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. I know she will be missed by all her friends and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
(Carol with Dr Bhatt)
Louise will always be remembered in our hearts, minds, and souls. Louise was a favorite family member of ours.
She was a proud God loving serving lady, and she loved her family and friends with all her heart and soul.
You, Kenny, were a wonderful son and an exceptional provider to her.
There’s no doubt she’s a stand-out shining angel and blessing in Heaven.
All our love,
Joe and Sheree Flowers
Kenny, I am so sorry for you. I just loved her and thought of both of you often. She was so sweet and kind to me. She had a full and long life. Take care.
Oh how we’ll miss our sweet Sister Merritt! She was a wonderful example of what a true devotion to God should be, never a complainer and always positive. Kenny, please know you’re much admired for being such a loving and caring son. We’ll be praying for strength and comfort for you and all of Sister Merrit’s family during this sad time. Our church family will miss her, but we can rejoice in her home going. Love and prayers to you. Jan McKinney
Oh how we’ll miss our sweet Sister Merritt! She was a wonderful example of what a true devotion to God should be, never a complainer and always positive. Kenny, please know you’re much admired for being such a loving and caring son. We’ll be praying for strength and comfort for you and all of Sister Merrit’s family during this sad time. Our church family will miss her, but we can rejoice in her home going. Love and prayers to you. Jan McKinney