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        Remembers Betty J. Merritt of Merritt Interpreting Services
 Betty J. MerrittSeptember 27, 1944 – March 12, 2003
 
        
         Betty 
        Merritt (see picture on left; in purple dress - Courtsey by Deaf 
        Celebration 1998) went Home to be with her Lord on Wednesday March 
        12, 2003 at 8:00 a.m.  Betty interpreted for her parents throughout 
        her childhood. As a young woman she began interpreting for Hampton Place 
        Baptist Church in Dallas.  The Deaf leaders who attended the church 
        trained Betty. Merritt Interpreting Services was formally opened 
        September 1, 1989. As a veteran freelance interpreter, Betty recognized 
        the lack of quality, professional services needed by businesses, courts, 
        attorneys, police departments, hospitals, the cultural arts, other 
        organizations and individuals.  Betty’s sole purpose for opening 
        the office of MIS was to provide skilled, professional interpreting 
        services for the Deaf community.  She and her company contributed 
        to the Deaf community in by providing time volunteering for certain 
        activities and by donations to various events. Her greatest passion was 
        to bring dignity to individuals who were deaf through interpreting their 
        words. Betty set the standard for professionals who came after her. She 
        was the epitome of professionalism. Ms. Merritt was a charter member of Texas Society of 
        Interpreters for the Deaf and in 1965 she became certified as a CSC 
        (Comprehensive Skills Certification) by the National Registry of 
        Interpreters for the Deaf and began interpreting in the community as a 
        professional.  Betty became a Level V Certified interpreter with 
        the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in August, 1988. 
        In 1998 Deaf Celebration  presented Betty with the Lyndon B. 
        Johnson Award. Betty was always quick with a smile, a laugh, or a joke. 
        She was known for her class and style. Betty is survived by her husband, Frank Merritt and 
        family: Brian and Wendy MerrittAmanda & Chelsea
 Robert and Rhonda MerrittMeagan
 Greg and Laurel Merritt Brother – Buster and Beverly Bramall Sisters – Carol Bramall and Polly Ware Granddaughters Betty Merritt was loved and respected by the Deaf 
        community, her peers and all of those who worked for her. The Deaf 
        community has lost a true friend. Family ViewingThursday March 13, 2003
 7:00-9:00 p.m.
 Jaynes Memorial Chapel
 811 S. Cockerell Hill, Duncanville, Texas
 972/298-2334
 Funeral ServicesFriday, March 14, 2003
 2:00 p.m.
 Cedar Heights Baptist Church
 201 E. Beltline, Cedar Hill, Texas
 IntermentFriday, March 14, 2003
 5:00 p.m.
 Dresden Cemetery
 Dresden, Texas
 
        http://www.mis-interpreting.com    |