Merrill Wilson Stafford of Smyrna, DE. passed away on August 25, 2007, surrounded by her family.  Merrill was born in Wilmington, De. and attended the University of Delaware where she worked at the Stone Balloon.  She enjoyed world travel while working for Capital Airlines.  She furthered her education earning a masters degree in Mathematics at the University of Delaware.  She then began her teaching career at Delaware State University and proceeded to Delaware Technical & Community College, Concord High School and Newark High School.  She integrated her teaching style by tutoring her friends and family in her personal time.  She relished her time at the beach with her family and friends.  Most of her leisure time was spent on family vacations and cooking with her buddy Matt.  She also spent countless hours under the tree at the Smyrna Swim Club.  She recently gave her best friend and daughter Veronica, in marriage and was blessed with a grandson and granddaughter.  She recently retired from teaching high school to devote her time to her family and dogs.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marilyn and Jack E. Wilson III.  She is survived by her daughter, Veronica Marilyn and husband, Matthew Dorris; her 2 sons, James Naylor IV and Christopher Naylor.  She is also survived by her sister, Cynthia and Ronald Dooley; their children, Geneva, Merrrill and Stewart; brother, John E. and Marsha Wilson IV; their son John Arthur; sister, Victoria and Maurice Beck; their children, Brandon and Meredith; sister, Kathryn and Brian David; their children Brian and Nina; close family friends: Amber Lech and Elsie Williams; beloved dogs, Sophia and Montana; random cats.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 22 N. Union St. Smyrna, De. 19977 at 3 pm. Thursday, August 30.  Interment will be private.