Althea Merricks Haywood

Althea Merricks Haywood was born May 16, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Estelle Fletcher Merricks and Walter Merricks Sr. Althea received Christ at an early age and was baptized at Fairview Baptist Church by Pastor Willie Brown in New Orleans, LA. From a child she knew she was set aside as a chosen vessel of love to demonstrate God’s love to others. Born into humble beginnings, she was destined to serve her family, church and community. She was a 1959 inaugural class graduate of George Washington Carver High School. She also received an Associate degree from Southern University of New Orleans. She was married to Douglas McArthur Haywood and to their long-standing union, two children were born Keith Haywood and Lynnon Haywood. After their marriage the family soon became members, Greater Mount Carmel, First Thessalonian Missionary Baptist Church. While being a dedicated member there, she served faithfully. Prior to entering her professional career, she served her family diligently as that Proverbs 31, virtuous woman, chief executive officer of the household. As a homemaker, she nurtured her family with passion, love, joy, peace, encouragement, sacrifice, a brilliant smile and enthusiastically supported everyone’s dreams and aspirations. Out of all of that can be stated or written, her greatest work will always be remembered in the love given to her husband and children. She was athletic, runner/walker with her 5k races, tennis player, bowler, exercise and fitness conscious. She supported her children in dance, band, sporting activities, traveling to all their events with her piercing voice of screams, yelling and extreme exuberance to see them do well. Also, a great encourager to the love of her life to push Douglas to be his best to see, have and become what he desired. She made sure her husband, children grandchildren and great grandchildren experienced the best life had to offer. Although, she was self-less, she aspired to have her own as a professional with the same company Kaiser Aluminum. She retired from Kaiser Aluminum with 33 years of service. In 1993, demonstrating her commitment to her husband as pastor of the New Israel Baptist Church, she jumped right in to work in partnership with him to grow God’s Kingdom. With her passion for singing, skill in administration, giftedness to teach Sunday school, and love for people she was faithful unto death. While gasping for breath her thoughts were what about the church programs. She understood her assignment, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it as unto the Lord.” Simply put, she went into the hedges and highways to recruit new members and encourage old members. Not only was she beloved by New Israel Baptist Church, also by so many others. The Community Fellow- ship Mission Auxiliary of New Orleans and was faithful unto death. Her service to our community and the city of New Orleans must not be overlooked. Mom picked up many for church, mission doctors visits and was the first UBER and LYFT driver for many. Her chief joy was The Community Fellowship Mission Auxiliary of New Orleans. As she served as President, but more impor- tantly a faithful member. In describing her commitment to service of mankind, dedication, consistency, unconditional love and servitude were attributes that she extended everyday of her life. Her brother’s Walter Merricks Jr, Stanley Merricks, Raymond Merricks, Valsin Merricks preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her husband of 61 years, Douglas MacArthur Haywood, New Orleans, LA, two children Pastor Keith Haywood Sr and wife Brenda Haywood of Slidell, LA, Lynnon Haywood Chappell (Christopher), Kennesaw, GA; Four sisters, Myrna Merricks, Estelle Guidry, Barbara Merricks, Veronica Merricks, Jeanette Haywood (Sister-in-love); Five brothers, Bernard Merricks, Joseph Merricks, Gilbert Merricks, Curtis Merricks (Gail Merricks), and Jerome Merricks, all of Louisiana; Her granddaughters, Kelly, (Mike) Garrett of New Orleans, LA; Christy Monique Chappell (Mundell) Spence of Forney, Texas, Cara Patrice (Jonathon) Jones of Powder Springs, GA, Lauren Chappell of Dallas, TX, Brittney Chappell of Kennesaw, GA; Her grandsons, Keith Haywood Jr. of Houston, TX, Kolin Haywood of New Orleans, LA; Five great grandchildren, Maximillian, Penelope, Knox, Olivia and Mila; A host of nieces and nephews with a special thanks to Paula and Brian Wise, along with Acqualine (Ackie) Merricks who provided special care to our mom and dad; She also leaves a host of family members, friends, church and mission members. A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without re- serve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, enjoys knitting and sewing. She’s like a trading ship that sails to far- away places and brings back exotic surprises. She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he de- liberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: “Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!” Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Adorn her life with praises! Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend her Funeral Service at New Israel Baptist Church, 6322 St. Claude Avenue on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.

Althea Merricks Haywood

July 5, 2023