Merlin Jacobs Usher

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Indian Trail, NC

Merlin Virginia Jacobs Usher, 89, passed away peacefully at home in Indian Trail, NC on Monday, October 14, 2024 surrounded by her daughters, caregiver and faithful dog Rainy. She is once again with her devoted husband of 51 years, Percy Usher.

Merlin was born and raised in Bennettsville, SC, the daughter of the late Johnnie and Bessie Carpenter Jacobs. She was the fourth of five siblings and preceded in death by her brothers and sister: Allen Jacobs, Mildred Jacobs Turnage, Donald Jacobs and Clifton Jacobs.

Her family operated a general store along Highway #9 in Wallace, SC. Merlin began her employment at the store at the young age of 8, acquiring skills in customer service and bookkeeping. She developed a strong aptitude for mathematics and gained a reputation for performing math calculations in her head, with the expectation that others should be able to do the same. 

She dedicated 45 years to BC Moore & Sons warehouse in Cheraw, SC where she found great joy in her work. Her coworkers evolved into lifelong friends and she cherished recounting her many experiences at the warehouse. 

As a dedicated working mother, she managed to carve out time to cheer on her daughters in their many pursuits. Whether it was assisting with Girl Scouts, attending band performances, dance recitals, or school events she was always there to lend her support.

She was actively involved in the First Baptist Church in Cheraw, SC, taking on various responsibilities. She taught Sunday school for children and adults, helped with Vacation Bible School and served as the secretary for the Mission Action Group. Many of her fondest friendships and memories were created during the trips with her church friends.

She found her greatest joy in having a bustling home filled with friends and family who frequently visited without notice. Since relocating to Indian Trail, NC, it became a daily routine for Merlin to spend hours chatting on the phone with friends from her old hometown. Not a single day went by without her feeling a longing for home.

Merlin was lovingly called “Nana” by her three grandchildren and “Aunt Bay” by her nieces and nephews. She shared a unique bond with each of them and held them dear to her heart. As she grew older, she never forgot their birthdays and anniversaries, always taking joy in celebrating their achievements.

Merlin is remembered fondly by her daughters, Wanda Usher of Mount Pleasant, SC, Sharon (Bo) Caston of Greer, SC, Kathy (Keith) Jones of Indian Trail, NC and Christy (Mark) Kollitz of Kirkwood, MO. She cherished her role as Nana to Julia Kollitz of San Diego, CA, Samantha Jones of Indian Trail, NC and Andrew Kollitz of Kirkwood, MO. Additionally, she is survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Cathy Jacobs of Lexington, KY, along with several nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Our family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Myra Jones, who was a devoted companion and caregiver to our mother. Over the three years she spent with us, she truly became part of our family. We are endlessly thankful for the love and care she showed to our mother.

A graveside service to honor and celebrate the life of Merlin will be held on Saturday, October 26, at 11:00 am, at Chatham Hill Cemetery in Cheraw, SC.

In lieu of flowers, to celebrate Merlin’s memory, we invite you to embody the message of her beloved hymn, “Help Somebody Today.” This beautiful song inspires us to look around and notice those in need. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice in her memory.