Jerry Kaye Rummage Merritt, 87, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2026.
She was born Feb. 13, 1939, in Loris, South Carolina, to Henry and Annie Rummage.
Jerry graduated from Ellerbe High School in 1957. She spent her life between Ellerbe and Fayetteville, where she built deep roots and lasting connections. For almost 30 years, she worked at Purolator, where she was known as a dedicated and hardworking employee.
She was well known for her incredible cooking, especially her chicken and dumplings and chicken casserole — dishes that brought family together and remain a cherished memory for all who tasted her love in every bite.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Gloria Ann Rummage Robertson; her son, Christopher Henry Spivey; her daughter, Patricia Merritt Hood; her grandson, Justin Craig Merritt; and her great-grandchild, Christopher James “C.J.” Spivey-Hunsberger.
She is survived by her son, Gregory Dean Spivey of Fayetteville; her grandchildren, Jennah Hood-Folsom of Fayetteville, Ashley Spivey of New York City, Alexa Spivey of Los Angeles, and Christopher Strange of Stedman; her great-grandchildren, Penny Spivey-Hunsberger of New York City, Paul “Junior” Rhodes of Fayetteville, and Remy Folsom of Fayetteville; her nephew, Lewis Clyde Robertson; her cousin, Mary Dianne Boy; and Mary Dianne’s descendants, Dana West and Parker West.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 at Ellerbe Cemetery, 304 Millstone Road, Ellerbe. The family will greet friends following the service.
She will be deeply missed.
Condolences may be made online at carterfuneral.net.
