Merry JoAnn Stephenson
(Roberts)
Sunrise 4/29/54 Sunset 7/31/21
Our Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Merry JoAnn Stephenson (Roberts) of Toledo, Ohio age 67 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 31, 2021. Merry was born April 29, 1954, in Toledo, Ohio. She was the daughter of Eugene Roberts and JoAnn Birukow, both of which preceded her in death as well as her son Jason McLavish. Merry attended Start High School. She retired from Toledo Public Schools after spending years in food service. Merry was known as one of the best left-handed pool players around town she always held on to her many trophies to prove it. Besides spending time with her family and friends Merry enjoyed traveling, camping, sunbathing, and her wine (Franzia to be exact). Merry was simple and enjoyed the simple things in life. Left to cherish her memory are her brothers, Scott Roberts, and James Birukow (Denise Birukow); children, Amber Simpson-Payne (Willie Payne), and Tijay Simpson; grandchildren, Jared Popp (Madison Popp), Aryanna Simpson, Aaliyah Payne, Alivia Simpson, Aiden Simpson, Aijay Simpson, Gabriel McLavish, and Laci McLavish; great-grandchildren; Jade Payne, Noelle Popp, and Riley Popp, and countless others that were blessed to have been part of her life.
When I am Gone
When I come to the end of my journey And I travel my last weary mile, just forget if you can, that I ever frowned and only remember the smile. Forget unkind words that I have spoken; Remember some good I have done. Forget that I ever had heartache and remember I had loads of fun. Forget that I have stumbled and blundered and sometimes fell by the way. Remember I have fought some hard battles and won, ere the close of the day. Then forget to grieve my going, I would not have you sad for a day, but in summer just gather some flowers and remember the places I used to play and come in the evening when the sun paints the sky in the west, stand for a few moments and remember only my best.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Fahoury, Mary Pat Page CNP (Sincera Palliative Care), Flower Hospital (interventional radiology team), Rick Ketterman Pastor, and Sr. Jordan Schaefer these great people played huge parts in this difficult journey we cannot thank you all enough! We also would like to thank everyone else for all for all their love, well wishes, prayers, and support.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 11:00 am, at Compelled Church, 8970 Jackman Road, Temperance, MI 48182. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held after the service. The address for the gathering will be given at the church. All are welcomed to attend.
Flowers, cards, and memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) are all welcome.
Scott, Natasha, James, and Denise
A family is a circle of love, not broken by a loss, but made stronger by memories. We are forever blessed that God connected us to you.
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