Beatrice Martin, 66, of Rock Island, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Unity Point-Trinity, Rock Island.
Services are 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 201 E. 4th Ave., Milan, where visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday. Inurnment will be at a later date.
Beatrice was born July 30, 1949 in Monticello, Ark., a daughter of William and Ida (Sheets) Merritt.
Beatrice was a homemaker. She loved caring and helping people, but most of all she enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved her grandchildren and spending time every chance she had with her girls. She was fondly known as "Aunt Fatty" by her many nieces and nephews.
Beatrice was a longtime member of Greater Shady Grove AME Church, Wilmar, Ark. and a member of the Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed fishing, watching "In The Heat of the Night" on TV, playing cards, dancing, hanging with her friends, and listening to her favorite song, "Candy".
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Deborah Martin, Little Rock, Ark. and Andrea Martin, Milan; grandchildren, Iesha Colvin, Edwardsville, Ill, Demetria Johnson, Davenport, Ia., and Brooke Walker, Little Rock, Ark.; sisters and brothers, Frances (Arthur) Tate, Wilmar, Ark, Jeanette Merritt, Wilmar, Ark., William Merritt, Little Rock, Ark., Elton (Reba) Merritt, St. Louis, MO, Nodgy Merritt, Wimar, Ark., Betty Merritt, Houston, Tex., and Rose Moore, San Diego, Calif.; and a host of nieces, nephews, additional family; special sister-in-law, Diane (Mrs. Arthur) Dixon; and special friends, Mr. James and Annie Pulliam.
Beatrice was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, William Martin, Jr., sisters, Robbie Edwards and Diane Merritt, and brothers, Garland Merritt and L.T. Merritt.