Sandra Joy Middlesworth Merriman

Sandra Joy Middlesworth Merriman, 84, of Smith Mountain Lake, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. She was born on January 10, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio to the late Louis Fay Middlesworth and Millie Mae Bush Middlesworth.

Sandy was a proud alumnus of The Ohio State University and a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. An avid sports fan, she loved rooting for all teams associated with the school. Go Buckeyes! Fresh out of college, she served as Executive Secretary to the President of the W.G. Swartz Co. Department Store in Norfolk. Sandy was also an accomplished bridge player, active in bridge groups in both Lynchburg and Smith Mountain Lake. And when her children began leaving the nest for college, she became a substitute teacher for Campbell County Public Schools.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Thomas Merriman, whom she first met when she was only eight years old on the shores of Lake Erie in southern Michigan. After enduring being tossed into Otter Creek numerous times by Tom and his friends as they grew up, she married him anyway in 1961. She is also survived by her children, Jeffrey Merriman (Monique), Jennifer Bosta (John), Julie Lesniak (Preston); grandchildren, Kaitlin Pollock (Ryan), Heather Merriman (Randolph), Taylor Bosta-Kirk (Billy), Blake Bosta, Justin Lesniak (Kristen), Brooke Lesniak, Sarah Hassick (Adam), Rachel Lesniak and Christopher Lesniak; great-grandchildren, Theo Hassick and Alexander Kirk; and brother, Duane Middlesworth (Janine).

Sandy enjoyed many great blessings in her life. Loving, supportive parents. Three children and a long happy marriage. Nine grandchildren. Two great grandchildren born this year. The opportunity to be a homemaker for her family. Many lifelong friends dating back to childhood. The joy of retirement overlooking the water of Smith Mountain Lake. Ohio State beating Michigan 42 times. And those who cared for her in her last years when she needed assistance in living.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Tharp Funeral Chapel, Bedford with the Rev. Dr. Philip Bouknight of Trinity Ecumenical Parish. The family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Monday, December 4, 2023, at Tharp Funeral Home.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, SML, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.