DeafNetwork.com
Remembers Betty J. Merritt
of Merritt Interpreting Services
Betty J. Merritt
September 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 Merritt
Amanda & Chelsea
Robert and Rhonda Merritt
Meagan
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 Viewing
Thursday March 13, 2003
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Jaynes Memorial Chapel
811 S. Cockerell Hill, Duncanville, Texas
972/298-2334
Funeral Services
Friday, March 14, 2003
2:00 p.m.
Cedar Heights Baptist Church
201 E. Beltline, Cedar Hill, Texas
Interment
Friday, March 14, 2003
5:00 p.m.
Dresden Cemetery
Dresden, Texas
http://www.mis-interpreting.com
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