DeafNetwork.com Remembers Betty J. Merritt
of Merritt Interpreting Services

Betty J. Merritt
September 27, 1944 – March 12, 2003

Betty Merritt (see picture on left; in purple dress - Courtsey by Deaf Celebration 1998) went Home to be with her Lord on Wednesday March 12, 2003 at 8:00 a.m.  Betty interpreted for her parents throughout her childhood. As a young woman she began interpreting for Hampton Place Baptist Church in Dallas.  The Deaf leaders who attended the church trained Betty.

Merritt Interpreting Services was formally opened September 1, 1989. As a veteran freelance interpreter, Betty recognized the lack of quality, professional services needed by businesses, courts, attorneys, police departments, hospitals, the cultural arts, other organizations and individuals.  Betty’s sole purpose for opening the office of MIS was to provide skilled, professional interpreting services for the Deaf community.  She and her company contributed to the Deaf community in by providing time volunteering for certain activities and by donations to various events. Her greatest passion was to bring dignity to individuals who were deaf through interpreting their words. Betty set the standard for professionals who came after her. She was the epitome of professionalism.

Ms. Merritt was a charter member of Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf and in 1965 she became certified as a CSC (Comprehensive Skills Certification) by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and began interpreting in the community as a professional.  Betty became a Level V Certified interpreter with the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in August, 1988. In 1998 Deaf Celebration  presented Betty with the Lyndon B. Johnson Award.

Betty was always quick with a smile, a laugh, or a joke. She was known for her class and style.

Betty is survived by her husband, Frank Merritt and family:

Brian and Wendy Merritt
Amanda & Chelsea

Robert and Rhonda Merritt
Meagan

Greg and Laurel Merritt

Brother – Buster and Beverly Bramall

Sisters – Carol Bramall and Polly Ware

Granddaughters

Betty Merritt was loved and respected by the Deaf community, her peers and all of those who worked for her. The Deaf community has lost a true friend.

Family Viewing
Thursday March 13, 2003
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Jaynes Memorial Chapel
811 S. Cockerell Hill, Duncanville, Texas
972/298-2334

Funeral Services
Friday, March 14, 2003
2:00 p.m.
Cedar Heights Baptist Church
201 E. Beltline, Cedar Hill, Texas

Interment
Friday, March 14, 2003
5:00 p.m.
Dresden Cemetery
Dresden, Texas

http://www.mis-interpreting.com 

Notes:

• View Obituary text from the Corsicana Daily Sun