Dawn Merrick

Dawn Merrick, 61, passed away peacefully at her home on November 26, 2025, ending a courageous battle with dementia. Though her time with us feels far too short, the love she gave and the life she built will continue to echo through everyone who knew her.

Dawn was born on April 20, 1964, to her mother, Betty Brothers, and her father, Elmo Casey. She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

Above all else, Dawn loved her family. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Moore; her daughter, April, and April's husband, Zerrin; her son, Nicholas, and his wife, Miranda; and her beloved grandchildren Lillian, Leonard, Emma, and Delilah. Dawn took immense pride in her grandchildren and found pure joy in spoiling them at every opportunity.

Dawn had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. She was happiest with her hands in the soil, tending a garden, or with the open sky above her while hiking, camping, or simply driving through the mountains.

A devoted caregiver by nature and by profession, Dawn began her nursing career in 1980 as a nurse's aide at just 16 years old. Over four decades, she built a life of service, compassion, and fierce dedication to her patients. She retired in 2020 as an RN at Ashley Regional Medical Center. Nursing wasn't simply a job for Dawn-it was a calling. She had a genuine passion for helping others and formed many lasting friendships along the way, both with colleagues and the people she cared for.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Canyon Homecare and Hospice for the kindness, support, and comfort they provided. It was a great blessing to Dawn to be cared for by new and old friends alike.

Dawn will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, her gentle strength, her generous heart, and the way she made people feel cared for simply by being near them. Her legacy lives on in her children, her grandchildren, and every life she touched through her years of service. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Funeral Services for Dawn will be held Saturday, December 6 at 11:00am at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home, (410 North 800 West). Visitation for family and friends will Friday evening from 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm and Saturday from 9:45am ~ 10:45am, all at the funeral home. Following the funeral cremation will take place per Dawn's wishes.