In loving memory of Gerald J. Merritt Jr. (Jimmy)
Gerald J. Merritt was born on February 15, 1967 and passed away on May 13, 2022
It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Gerald J. Merritt Jr. (Grand Blanc, Michigan), who passed away at the age of 55, on May 13, 2022.
Services at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan
- Visitation will be held on May 18, 2022 at 4:00 pm
- Visitation Before Service will be held on May 19, 2022 at 12:00 pm
- Funeral Service will be held on May 19, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Prayer
Almighty God, you love everything you have made and wash over us with your unending mercy. We rejoice in your promises of healing, joy and peace to all who love you. In your mercy turn the darkness of death to the dawn of new life, and the sorrow of parting to the joy of heaven; through our Savior Jesus Christ who died and rose again and who lived forevermore. AMEN
Introduction
We meet here today to honor the life of Jimmy. We give thanks for his life and ask God to bless him now that their time in this world has come to an end.
For Jimmy, the journey is now beginning. But for us, there is loss, grief and pain. Every one of us here has been affected – perhaps in small ways, or perhaps in transformative ones- by Jimmy. His life mattered to us all.
It is important for us to collectively acknowledge and accept that the world has fundamentally changed with his passing. We are all grieving. Life will not be the same – nor should it be. Together, let us open our hearts and commemorate the impact Jimmy had on us.
Second Prayer
Eternal God,
We pray for ourselves and for Jimmy
We stand where Earth and Heaven meet,
Where life is brought to death
Deliver us from grief, fear and doubt,
From despair and unbelief,
And bring us to the light of your presence.
Grant us that peace which the world cannot give
So that we, with Jimmy may trust in you
And find our life through you.
Lord, you renew the face of the Earth,
Gather to yourself Jimmy, whom we have loved,
And grant him those things
Which eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor the human heart imagined.
Great Father-Mother God,
Watch over us this day – and all days.
Give us the strength to accept what is past,
To appreciate what is present
And to look forward to good in our future.
Grant us peace; sacred moments of communion with the Universe
And faith – in whatever most expresses our deepest inner truth.
Bless us and heal us; breathe peace and grace into our lives
Amen.
Remarks
I would now like to invite to the front anyone who would like to share some remarks about Jimmy
Eulogy
And now I will invite (close friend/family member) to share their thoughts.
The Committal
Please stand.
Jimmy is now safe. He is already on their way to heaven to enjoy all which awaits there. Let us say this final farewellto his body as we commit Jimmy’s physical form to its natural end.
Jimmy, we bless you and thank you for being a part of our lives. We honor your life on Earth and we pray for your peace ever-after. We will not forget you. Go well into the kingdom of heaven.
Please sit.
Closing Words
We have been remembering with love and gratitude a life that touched us all.
I encourage you to help, support and love those who grieve most. Allow them to cry; to hurt; to smile and to remember. Grief works through our systems in its own time.
Remember to bless each day and to live it to the full in honor of life itself – and of Jimmy. We often take life for granted and yet it is the greatest gift God gave us.
Blessing
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The Lord lift up his support upon you and give you peace.
So then, go in peace, and the God of all peace go with you.
Amen.