Sedonia Rebecca ''Jackie'' Merritt, departed this life to join our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thurdsay, May 4, 2006 after a lengthy illness. Sedonia was born of February 28, 1949 to Sedonia R. Merritt and the late Stanley Robinson. Jackie was an intelligent and loving child who excelled in all her academic endeavors. She received her education through the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Eastern High School in 1967. Later that same year, Jackie began her nursing studies at the Helen Fuld School of Nursing. Provident Hospital Inc., where she graduated in 1970 as a Registered Nurse R.N. and began her life's work. Her career enhanced the gift that God had given her for providing exceptional nursing care. During that career she held multiple positions as a nurse, case manager, supervisor, and administrator. As case manager, Jackie believed people deserved not just decent healthcare; they deserved to be treated decently and that is how she treated everyone she meant. Each person and each case was special to her. Jackie was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and enjoyed assisting people from all walks of life. Blessed with two children, Joseph Allen, Jr. and Tiffani Church, to which she dedicated her life, her love of beautiful things, and her gracious heart with each of them. Jackie enjoyed the simple things in life. She enjoyed the beach at Wildwood N.J., flowers, history, music, archery, and vintage movies. Jackie had a giving spirit and would walk her neighborhood giving fresh cut flowers to her neighbors. Growing up in a spiritual family, God's presence was evident in her life. As a youth Jackie attended First Apotolic Faith Church and recently joined Haven of Rest, Sanctuary of Praise. In August 2005, she was eager to be reaffirmed and baptized in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. She listened to th Word of God and read her Bible daily. She was excited about her relationship with God and took every opportunity to share the goodness of the Lord with anyone. Having a relationship with Jesus enhanced her spirit, impassioned her love of life, and sustained her mentally and physically. Jackie leaves to mourn: her mother, Sedonia R. Merritt; one son, Joseph L. Allen, Jr; one daughter, Tiffani J. Church; daughter-in-law, Monica Allen; aunts, Lillian Harrison and Doris Coleman; uncle, Dewey Robinson; four first cousins, Daphne Whittington, Diane Diggs, Cynthia Coleman and George Coleman; godchild, Jacqueline Mark; devoted friends, Amos and Belva Batts and Theresa Palmer; and a loving caregiver, Pamela Scribner; along with a host of other relatives, friends, and colleagues.