Naomi Merritt

Rev. Naomi Ruth Merritt of Potosi, Missouri, was born on August 28, 1935 in Chamois, Missouri, a daughter to the late Mortie C. Kronk and the late Beulah Nichols Kronk. Naomi went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 25, 2021 having reached the age of eighty-five years, six months and twenty-eight days.

Those who remain to cherish her memory include her daughter, Donna Fambrough (husband, Jack); granddaughter, Joy Fambrough; brother, David C. Kronk (wife, Patty). A host of dear cousins and extended family also remain to cherish her memory.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents, Mortie and Beulah Kronk; husband, Rev. Donald E. Merritt on August 26, 2013; sister, Rachel Holland (husband, James) and other dear relatives.

Naomi’s life was one of Ministry. She taught her first children’s Sunday School class at age 11, was called to preach at 13 and held her first revival at 14. She held a revival at the Assembly of God church in Smyrna, Georgia where she met her husband, Rev. Donald Merritt. He always said she was a Fisher of Men and caught one. During their Ministry together they pastored Assembly of God churches in three Assemblies of God Districts – Georgia, Southern Missouri, and Northern Missouri. After their daughter, Donna graduated from High School they entered the Evangelistic Field. The Traveling for Jesus Kids Crusade ministry took them to 14 states including 5 Native American Reservations, conducting over 400 Revivals and Children’s Crusades. During this time, they would alternate between Evangelistic ministry and Pastoral Ministry. Even after the passing of her husband in 2013, she continued to work with children’s ministries and preach. Boys and Girls loved to hear her tell stories from the Bible, along with Missions stories, Hive of Busy Bees and other stories. The last sermon she preached on February 28, 2021 asked the question, where are you with God? The question she asked for years and the reason she was in Ministry was to see people of all ages turn their lives to God. What a great legacy for all who knew her, her family, and especially her granddaughter, Joy Fambrough who is following in her grandmother’s Ministry footsteps.

Visitation will be Friday, April 2, 2021 from 10:30 am to 2 pm at DeClue Funeral Home, 301 E High St, Potosi, MO 63664.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 2, 2021 at 2pm at DeClue Memorial Chapel with Pastor Don Miller officiating. A private interment will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Fambrough family.

Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.