Obituary – Leila E. Merkel – Sesser

SESSER — Leila E. Merkel, 90, died at 12:50 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, in Helia Healthcare in Benton.

Leila was born Oct. 27, 1923, to William Green and Fern (Bean) Wells.

She married Andrew Merkel and he preceded in death March 30, 1992.

She was a restaurant owner and attended Apostolic Church in Sesser.

Survivors include daughter, Joyce Hensley of Oregon; brother, Marion and wife, Ruth Wells, of Sesser; sister, Norma Burleson of Belleville; one grandchild; two great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

Leila was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, Jerry Hensley; six brothers; and four sisters.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Bobby Jo McFarren officiating. Interment will be in Old Baptist Cemetery in Sesser.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.