Merilyn Baker Graham

Graham, Merilyn Baker, 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, 2015. Merilyn was born in Hiram, Ohio to Myron Shank Baker and Ruth Evelyn Davies Baker in 1922. Merilyn graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1943. After graduating, she accepted a position with DuPont Industries in Wilmington, Delaware. It was there that she met John Edward Graham, Sr., who was on assignment with the United States Navy. In 1948 Merilyn and John married and Merilyn moved to Jacksonville. With Merilyn by his side, John developed his business and together they expanded Graham Boat Yard, on the Ortega River, into one of the largest privately owned and operated marinas on the east coast of Florida. Graham Boat Yard was established in 1920 by John’s father and grandfather. Merilyn and John were active members at St. Johns Presbyterian Church, where Merilyn sang in the choir, performed with the bell choir and was a member of the Women’s Church Circle. Merilyn and John enjoyed their membership at Timuquana Country Club, as well. Merilyn volunteered for years at University Hospital (now known as UF Health). In 1980 Governor Bob Graham (no relation) appointed Merilyn to the State of Florida Board of Nursing as the consumer advocate and she proudly served in that capacity until 1986. Merilyn is pre-deceased in death by her loving husband, John; sons-in law, Charles Wisecarver and Ronald Briese; grandson, Brice Wisecarver; brother, David Baker; and long time friend, Fred Heiderer. Merilyn is survived by her five children: Ann Allen Graham, Susan Graham Herd and her husband, Tom, J. Edward “Ed” Graham, Jr. and his wife, Lee, and “the twins,” Merilyn Graham Goldschmid and Ruth Graham Wisecarver; grandchildren, Ruth Curts Potter and her husband, Jason, Brooks Wisecarver Cottrell and her husband, Cory, Rachel Goldschmid and Max Goldschmid; and great-grandchildren Daniel Brice Potter, Elizabeth Christine Potter and Harper Brice Cottrell. The family’s heartfelt gratitude goes out to Natasha Corsi Ward and Nikki Burke for their selfless years of caring for Merilyn. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 11:00 am at St. Johns Presbyterian Church, 4275 Herschel St, Jacksonville, FL 32210, with interment at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Johns Presbyterian Church (904-384-4501) in Merilyn’s loving memory. Arrangements by Naugle Funeral Home, 1203 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904)396-1611. www.nauglefuneral.com