WILLIAMSBURG — Merida Holcomb Friend, 89, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born April 3, 1932, in Widen, W.Va., to Herbert Stanton Holcomb and Gertrude Dell Hamrick Holcomb.
Merida graduated from Widen High School in 1949. During her senior year, she worked at the soda fountain in the Elk River Coal and Lumber Company Store. It was there she met her husband, Arthur R. “Art” Friend. They were married at his home in Ivydale, W.Va., in 1951. The couple moved to Williamsburg in 1958 so Art could go to college. They remained together until Art’s death in 2007.
In 1961, Merida attended Riverside Hospital’s first Nurse’s Training School In Newport News. She graduated first in her class as a licensed practical nurse. That same year, Merida learned she was pregnant. After the birth of her daughter in 1962, Merida chose to pursue homemaking as her career instead of nursing. Her Thanksgiving and Christmas meals became family traditions. Memories of these special times together will live forever in our hearts.
Throughout her life, Merida enjoyed good food, family time and bible studies. But her greatest joy came from serving the Lord and sharing His love with others. Indeed, Merida desired to be a blessing every day of her life. And whether that blessing took the form of a smile at a stranger, an intercessory prayer, or a gift of her time, Merida always gave the praise back to Jesus.
Merida was preceded in death by an infant brother, Herbert Stanley Holcomb; parents; husband; and niece, Rhonda Rapp Flowers.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Susan Friend, and her husband, Tommy Thomas, of Williamsburg; sisters, Doris Patton, and her husband, David, of Anthem, Ariz.; Ruby Lee Holcomb of Hampton; sister-in-law, Rose Moore, and her husband, Frank, of Olney; six nieces and nephews; 15 grand-nieces and grand-nephews; several great-grand-nieces and nephews; and a multitude of dear friends.
A celebration of Merida’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 9, at Williamsburg Assembly of God, 5232 Longhill Road, Williamsburg.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
