Merry Roberta Brayfield, 78, of Herrin, passed away at 7:00 AM, Monday, April 14, 2008 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin.
Merry Roberta was born on April 8, 1930 in Wichita Falls, TX to Theran & Vivian (Starr) Thornton. She married Clifton Jack Vancil. He preceded her in death in March of 1971.
Roberta retired from Southern Illinois University where she worked as a secretary for over thirty years.
She was a member of the Nazarene Church in Herrin and a former member of the Herrin Lions Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Red Hat Society.
Survivors include-
Son & daughter in law- Wayne & Karen Brayfield of Nashville, TN
Son & daughter in law- Keldon & Ann Smelley of Greenville, KY
Son & daughter in law- Jack & Cheryl Vancil of Stonefort
Son Tim Brayfield of Herrin
Daughter & son in law- Rebecca & Randy Hall of Christopher
Fourteen Grandchildren
Twelve Great Grandchildren
Brother- John Thorton of College Station, TX
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son- Loren Smelley and sister- Marvenette Wharton.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral home in Herrin. Rev. Rob Chitwood will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.