Heather Marie Merritt

Heather Marie Merritt, 39, of Clayton passed away Monday, June 9, 2025 in Wake Medical Center, Raleigh surrounded by her family.

Heather was born in Cumberland County, NC on March 26, 1986, daughter to Tony and Linda Faircloth Merritt. She is preceded in death by her grandmothers, Glenda Gurno and Dorothy Byrd, and a cousin, Edward Oxendine.

Heather worked as a manager for an auto parts company. She greatly loved her children and they were her world, she also enjoyed four wheeling, mudding, working on cars and laying in the bed watching scary movies. Heather will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, William Strickland of Clayton; her parents, Tony and Linda Merritt of Fayetteville; her children, step son, Cameron Raynor, son, Ethan Surles, step sons, William Strickland and Jessie Strickland, daughters, Erica Surles and Elanie Surles, all of Clayton; a sister, Courtney Lavier and husband Kevin of Fayetteville; a niece, Sydney Lavier and a nephew, Godrick Lavier, both of Fayetteville; a grandchild due in December and many extended family members and friends.

The family will receive friends 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Friday, June 13, 2025 at LaFayette Funeral Home, 6651 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM at LaFayette Funeral Home with Reverend Gary Leviner Sr. officiating.