Brenda Louise (nee Doolin) Merida of Hillsboro, OH, went home to be with the Lord on August 7, 2025, at the age of 77. Brenda was born on October 11, 1947, in Barbourville, KY to James "Jim" and Lou Verna Doolin.

Brenda was the beloved wife of 59 yrs. to Clint Merida, loving mother of Kathy Jackson and Keisha (Chris) Leonard, caring grandma of Shawn (Tracey) Jackson, Matt (Andrea) Jackson, Logan McGill, Dylan McGill and Trinity Leonard, proud Gigi of Levi and Lucas Jackson and Eli Jackson, dear sister of Robert (Bonnie) Doolin, Kenneth Doolin, Linda Doolin Glass and the late Carl Doolin, cherished daughter of the late James "Jim" and Lou Verna (nee Golden) Doolin. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and many dear friends.

Brenda was a devout child of God and most recently enjoyed worshipping at Old Path Baptist Church. In early years, she worshipped alongside her brothers and sisters in Christ at Old Time, Trinity and Shady Grove Baptist churches.

Brenda obtained her barber license in 1992, at the age of 45. She worked alongside her beloved sister Linda for several years before she opened Brenda's Barber Shop in Hillsboro, Ohio. She retired in 2014, to focus on her health after her 2013 breast cancer diagnosis. Her reoccurring battle with cancer was met with incredible strength, resilience and unwavering faith. Despite her personal battles, she remained her family's pillar of strength through it all.

In her spare time, Brenda could be found outside in her gardens, in the kitchen cooking or spending time her family, which was her pride and joy. The love and memories she left behind are some of her greatest accomplishments.

"There'll never be another like her. We lost the backbone of our family. "~Dad

Friends will be received from 6 PM to 8 PM on Monday, August 11 at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 1668 St. Rt. 28, Goshen, where services will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, August 12. Rev. Jacob Newberry officiating.

Interment will take place at Goshen Cemetery, Goshen TWP, OH.