Dorothy Jean Merrill

Dorothy “Dot” Breland Merrill, age 89, of Biloxi, left us to be with her loved ones in heaven on March 21, 2023.

Dot was born on August 24, 1933, in Wiggins, MS to E.J. Hickman and Carrie Belle (Jones) Hickman LaRush.  Dot was born, weighing only 3 pounds, shortly after her mother had lifesaving kidney surgery.  She was not expected to survive, but a good nurse and a natural fighting spirit helped her thrive. 

As a young woman she worked alongside her first husband, Cleo, at his Midas Muffler shop, the first in Mississippi.  When he passed in 1959, she kept the shop open and expanded the business to become Guarantee Auto Supply, along with several gas stations and other auto related businesses through the years.  Dot was the first woman, , in a male dominated field, to own an auto parts business in the state of Mississippi.

A few years later she met and married her friend and dance partner, Glenn Merrill.  Dot and Glenn were married for over 20 years.  They both taught and competed in Ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Dance Studio for many years.  In the late 80’s they sold the last of the businesses and retired to continue teaching dancing, playing bridge and spending time with family and friends.

In the years after Katrina, Dot suffered the loss of many of her closest family, but never stopped lending a helping hand and a loving heart.

She guided her mother and family through the shoals and doldrums of her mother’s Alzheimer’s journey, always offering insight, love, and kindness.  In 2016 she was told of her own journey down that same path.  She displayed the same grace and love of life in her illness that she always had.  Until a few weeks ago, she was still enjoying company and music as her smile brightened the room. 

Dot was preceded in death by her mother, father, and stepfather, John LaRush; her beloved husbands, Cleo R. Breland and Glenn E. Merrill; her much loved son, Gary R. Breland, Sr.; and her siblings, Floye Hartell, John “Sonny” (Jane) Hickman, William (Jacquie) Hickman and Eweather (Ray) Stephens. She is survived by her sisters, Evelyn Howe, and Linda Winkler; her grandson, Gary R. Breland, Jr. and 3 great grand daughters as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Bay Cove Memory Care who kept her safe during COVID and provided comfort, care, and the music she loved.

May fair winds speed her to the arms of the Lord and those loving souls who wait for her on the other shore.  Rest easy and enjoy the gumbo.

In lieu of flowers pleas make donations to the MS Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/ms or mail payments to Attention: Donor Services 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.   Please make a note, if mailing a check, that you would like it to be for the Mississippi Alzheimer's association.

The memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, with the visitation for family and friends starting at 10:00 a.m. until time for the service.

An online obituary may be viewed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com