Dorothy Jane Merrey, 96, Daughter of Thomas Alexander Barber and Lucile Norris Barber, born March 13, 1921 in Meridian, Mississippi, passed away October 30, 2017 at Orlando Regional Medical Center Orlando, Florida.

As a girl growing up in Meridian, MS, Dorothy enjoyed family gatherings with her large and extended family. In high school and college, she was an aspiring actress, delighting in performing in many plays. During a USO dance, Dorothy met and was smitten with a young airman with curly dark hair and hazel eyes. Shortly after Pearl Harbor Day, she married this young airman, and embarked on a journey to many different duty stations across America and, post-war, to Germany and Japan. During her long life, Dorothy enjoyed sightseeing, camping, and traveling to many countries as well as across most of America. She loved reading, especially British mysteries and cozies; puzzles crossword and jigsaw; and playing card and board games. Although a Methodist from birth, Dorothy became a Baptist after marrying Warren, and became very active in her church, participating in the annual Christmas "Tour of Bethlehem" and singing in the Keenager choir.

During World War II, as Warren was engaged in creating and repairing machinery to aid the war effort, Dorothy did her part as a typist in the offices of each duty station to which they were assigned. When her children began arriving, Dorothy stopped working in an office, and assumed the duties of a full-time wife and mother. After raising her three children, Dorothy returned to secretarial work, and finished her career working for the College of Business Administration at Jacksonville University.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Warren Floyd Merrey, son Michael Warren Merrey, daughter-in-law Kathy Hall Merrey, and Sister Anne Ogburn.

She is survived by son James Keith Merrey, daughter Lynne Merrey Ghioto (Rodney), beloved grandchildren Jamie Merrey Ball (Jonathan), Jeffrey Dennis Ghioto (Sara), Lucille Anne Ghioto (Ginny) and five great-granddaughters, Nora Grace Ghioto, Hazel Lynn Ghioto, Harper Olivia-Jane Ghioto, Myra June Ghioto, and Esther Katherine Ghioto.

Visitation is Saturday November 4, 2017 12-1 pm Funeral Service 1 pm Funeral Home chapel, burial to follow at Arlington Park Cemetery.