Merle Hood

MERLE T. HOOD

April 23, 1931 – May 7, 2012

ZEBULON – Sterling Merle Tippett Hood, 81, passed away at her home on Monday.  Merle was born April 23 1931 to Joseph Oscar Tippett and Lelia Lorenda Carroll in

Johnston County NC.  Merles’ “occupation” through out her adult life was her husband and 6 adopted children. She and husband Calvin were also foster parents to numerous foster children over the years. Merle never met a child she did not love or could not help.

Merle is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years Calvin W. Hood Sr., daughters, Ann Ashworth and husband Steve, Cindy Hood and Bonnie Hood, sons, George Gutridge and wife Donna, Calvin W. Hood Jr. and wife Mary & Charles Arthur Hood and wife Kelly.  Grandchildren Alexander Charles Hood, Theresa Gutridge, John Alan Bass, Calvin W. Hood III and wife Christy, Jason Michael Hood, Jason Ashworth & Stephanie Spivey.  Great Grandchildren Calvin W. Hood IV, Cayla Hood, Amber Jarrell, Maya Ashworth, Dakota Ashworth, Gracie Spivey & Jaxon Spivey.  Also surviving numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers for their devotion and love to Merle.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Amedisys Hospice

Services, 220 New Fidelity Court, Garner, NC, 27529.

Funeral services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, Strickland Funeral Home Chapel, 211 W. Third St, Wendell, NC, 27591 with Pastor Bob Borland officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30- to 2:00 pm. Interment at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens in Zebulon at 3:00 pm, Pastor Claude Wilson-Stayton officiating.  www.stricklandfuneralhomes.net