Carla Summers Merritt, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on April 22nd at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC.

Carla was born on June 3, 1949, in Albemarle, North Carolina, to Rudy Summers and Margaret Lisk Summers.  As a child, Carla had the unique opportunity to live in Germany with her family while her father, a Sergeant Major in the 18th Airborne Corps Artillery of the U.S. Army, was stationed overseas. She often spoke fondly of those years, cherishing the experiences and memories that shaped her early life.

After returning to the United States, Carla attended Pine Forest High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she was a cheerleader. She went on to attend East Carolina University and Campbell University, where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration.

Carla met her husband of 55 years, Kenneth Merritt, in 1964. Their story began at the 82nd Airborne pool, where Ken worked as a lifeguard and Carla as a check-in attendant "basket girl." They were married in 1970 and built a life as active members of Campground United Methodist Church. Carla especially treasured her involvement in the church, from directing the live nativity to teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir.

Professionally, Carla began her career working with several major companies, including H&R Block, which sparked her passion for accounting. She went on to become a Certified Public Accountant and joined the firm of Tippett Padrick and Bryan in 1984.  She became a partner in the firm in 1992 and continued her work there at the now Bryan Merritt and Associates until her death. She was deeply committed to her work and formed lasting relationships with both clients and colleagues, whom she considered an extended family.

While Carla's professional accomplishments were many, the role she cherished most was that of grandmother. She found immense joy in her grandchildren, pouring herself into their lives with love, encouragement, and pride.

Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Rudy Summers and Margaret Lisk Pope, and her sister, Vicki Summers. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Kenneth Merritt; her daughter, Courtney Merritt Breeding, and her husband, Brad Breeding; her cherished grandchildren, Ella Paige Breeding, Bailey Everett Breeding, and Elizabeth Bradley Breeding; her son, Kevin Christopher Merritt, and his wife, Kelly Merritt; her sisters, Lydia Summers Aldridge and Jan Summers Hernandez; and her brother, Eric Summers.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at Jernigan-Warren funeral home in Fayetteville with a visitation at 1:00 pm and a service beginning at 2:00 pm in the chapel.

Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com