- Merle Church Irick, 82, of Elizabethton, Tenn., took the hand of her precious Lord to join her loved ones before her on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at Johnson City Medical Center. Merle was born in Carter County, Tenn., on May 19, 1939, a daughter of the late Norman and Louise Miller Church. In addition to her parents, Merle was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack Irick; a son, Thomas Irick; three brothers, Rev. Dennis Church, Owen Church and Leslie Church; and one sister, Judy Church Parlier.
Merle retired as a truck driver and was a faithful member of Elk Mills Christian Church. She dedicated her entire life to God and her family and was a former youth leader for her church. In her later years, Merle taught the teenage class at Elk Mills Christian Church and worked tirelessly with the Helping Hands Organization.
Those left to continue Merle’s legacy and cherish her memory include two sons, Jeffrey Irick and wife Heidi of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Larry Irick and wife Dawn of Tazewell, Va.; one daughter, Lynn Irick of Elizabethton; six grandchildren, Joshua, Amber, Justin and Brandon Irick, Jordan and David Whitehead; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Keith Church and wife Reba, and Tony Church and wife Debbie Hardin Church; one sister, Nancy Church Harmon and husband Darrell; a beloved sister-in-law, Nona Church; a bonus daughter, Neta Hurley; and a bonus son, Jerry Irick. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her beloved church family also survive.
A service to honor and celebrate Merle’s life will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 6, at Elk Mills Christian Church with her brothers, Mr. Tony Church and Mr. Keith Church, officiating. Music will be provided by Keith and Reba Church, Heidi Mollers Irick and Jordan Whitehead. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Monday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow in the Walnut Mountain Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons, Brandon Irick, Justin Irick, Josh Irick, David Whitehead, Jordan Whitehead, and a nephew, Jay Irick.
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1939 - 2021 (82 years)
