of Greenbrier, AR
October 27, 1944 - February 20, 2025
Janelle Carolyn Merritt, 80, of Greenbrier, Arkansas passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025 following a brief illness. Janelle was born to PFC J.C. and Avanelle Merritt on October 27, 1944 in Conway, Arkansas. Janelle attended school in Greenbrier but graduated with honors from North Little Rock Senior High School in 1962.
Janelle was a Christian, choosing Jesus Christ at an early age and never doubted her Salvation. She was a member of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church.
Janelle had numerous positions in retail, law offices and accounting firms, as well as singing with the love of her life, Robert Hild. Janelle retired as a retirement specialist with the U.S. Army National Guard at Camp Robinson. She moved to Greenbrier in the 1990s to be close to her mother and dad and spent her retirement years helping with her parents, working in her yard and giving of herself to family and friends. Her grand kids, Bri and RJ brought many smiles to her face and joy to her heart. Her expression immediately perked when asked about her grand kids.
Janelle is preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Avanelle Merritt; her brother, Rodney M. Merritt; her daughter, Sheila Abbott Wilson and her son, Robert Shannon Hild. She is survived by one brother, A. Keith (Sherry) Merritt of Conway and granddaughter, Brianna Sultana Hild, her fiancé Peyton Fletcher of Greenbrier and a grandson, Robert Junior Hild of Conway. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family, lifelong friends and her church family.
A private graveside service was held Monday, February 24, 2025. The body was interred at Thorn Cemetery. Services were by Roller-McNutt with Brother Ed Stephenson.
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3 Condolence(s)
Gayla Ison-Hooten
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
I just learned today that Janelle's journey on this Earth came to an end on February 20th. My condolences to her family. Janelle and I met in the mid 1960s and immediately formed a strong friendship that lasted for many many years. It was amazing how our lives would get intertwined at various times whether it be through boyfriends, husbands, work, kids, music, etc. However, after she moved to Greenbrier we didn't stay in close contact the way we had when we both lived in Pulaski County. We did still see each other occasionally and we would again stay in close contact for a little while.. Then life would once again pull in different directions and we would lose contact for a period of time until destiny would once again lead us to our friendship that knew no end.
When we were together we never stopped smiling and always reminisced about "the good times". Oh, the stories we could tell!! And, there were those that we couldn't tell, of course!! She was an amazing person and a true friend. I regret that it had been six or seven years since we had talked. May you rest in peace my dear and long time special friend.
Gayla
CHRISTA WILLIAMS
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with all her family.
Vicki Lafferty Fewell
Monday, February 24, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of Janelle's death. I've known her since our days at NLRHS. My condolences to her family, especially her cousin Sara.