Jo Ann Merrifield

Jo Ann Merrifield, 82, of Columbia, died on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Born on September 28, 1944, in Poteau, Oklahoma, she was a daughter of Levi A. Walker and Corda Elizabeth Taylor Walker. Mrs. Merrifield attended the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma. She was a homemaker and devoted wife of a US Army soldier. While her husband was in the military, she received the US Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, LTC William Larry Merrifield, US Army (Ret.); daughters, Lorrie Ann Klug (Paul) of Tallahassee, FL and Marie Nichols (Charles) of Elgin, SC. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, James Nichols, Nancy Yell, Keith Nye, Roger Klug, as well as her great grandchildren, Ethan Yell, Elliott Yell, and Everly Nichols.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family and will announce further plans.