Merrill (Wilson) Stafford, 56

SMYRNA - Merrill (Wilson) Stafford of Smyrna passed away Saturday, Aug. 25, 2007, surrounded by her family. She was 56.

Merrill was born in Wilmington on July 11, 1951.

She was a 1969 graduate of Smyrna High School. After high school, she moved to Newark and attended the University of Delaware while working at the Stone Balloon.

Merrill enjoyed world travel while she worked for Capital Airlines.

She then went on to further her education at Delaware State University, where she received a master"s degree in mathematics.

Merrill began her teaching career at Delaware State University and proceeded to Delaware Technical & Community College, Concord High School and Newark High School. She integrated her teaching style by tutoring her friends and family in her personal time.

She relished her time at the beach with her family and friends.

Merrill spent countless hours under the tree at the Smyrna Swim Club.

She spent most of her leisure time on family vacations and cooking with her buddy, Matt.

Merrill recently gave her best friend and daughter away in marriage, and was blessed with a grandson and granddaughter.

She recently retired from teaching high school to devote time to her family and dogs.

Merrill was preceded in death by her parents, Marilyn and Jack E. Wilson III.

She is survived by her daughter, Veronica Marilyn and her husband Matthew Dorris; two sons, James Naylor IV and Christopher Naylor; her sister, Cynthia and Ronald Dooley, and their children, Geneva, Merrill and Stewart; a brother, John E. and Marsha Wilson IV and their son, John Arthur; a sister, Victoria and Maurice Beck, and their children, Brandon and Meredith; a sister, Kathryn and Brian David, and their children, Brian and Nina; a close family friend, Amber Lech; her beloved dogs, Sophia and Montana; and random cats.

Services will be 3 p.m. Thursday in St. Peter"s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St., Smyrna.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Kent County S.P.C.A., 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934; or St. Peter"s Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St., Smyrna, DE 19977.

In Bob Barker"s famous words, "please remember to have your pets spayed and neutered."