Promoted to Glory: Major Hellon Merrifield
Major Hellon Merrifield was Promoted to Glory from her home in Estero, FL, on March 12, 2025, at the age of 84.
Hellon Lucille McGill was born in Fort Myers, FL on November 2, 1940, as the third of six children. Her parents were Ernest and Rheta Mae McGill. She became acquainted with The Salvation Army by attending tent meetings with a friend, asking Jesus into her heart at the age of ten.
Hellon led the way for other family members to choose the Army as their church home. She entered the Evangeline Booth College in 1959 as a member of the Great Hearts session of cadets. While at the training college, she met her husband-to-be, Kenneth Merrifield. They married in 1962 and together served for 44 years as Salvation Army officers.
She and Major Kenneth went on to serve in a number of corps, area command, and divisional appointments throughout the Southern Territory. They retired honorably in 2004, making their home in Estero.
Major Hellon will always be remembered as gentle in all her ways. She loved unconditionally and impacted countless lives through her kindness and example.
Major Hellon Merrifield is preceded in death by her parents; one son, Dennis Joseph Merrifield; and three siblings, Patricia Barley, Joe McGill, and Teresa Tanner. She is survived by her husband of more than 62 years, Major Kenneth Walter Merrifield; two daughters, Deborah Sue (Mark) Whitmire; Deana Beth (John) Merek; one son, Darrell Ernest (Melissa) Merrifield; and her daughter-in-law, Renee Merrifield. She also leaves one brother, Gerald McGill; and one sister, Donna Smith; as well as ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at The Salvation Army corps in Fort Myers, FL.