MERLE T. HOOD


ZEBULON - Sterling Merle Tippett Hood, 81, died at her home on Monday, May 7, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at Strickland Funeral Home Chapel, 211 W. Third St., Wendell, with Pastor Bob Borland officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 - 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, Zebulon, at 3 p.m., with Pastor Claude Wilson-Stayton officiating.

She was the daughter of Joseph Oscar Tippett and Lelia Lorenda Carroll of Johnston County. She and her husband, Calvin, adopted six children and were foster parents to numerous children.

Surviving: husband, Calvin W. Hood Sr.; daughters, Ann Ashworth (Steve), Cindy Hood and Bonnie Hood; sons, George Gutridge (Donna), Calvin W. Hood Jr. (Mary) and Charles Arthur Hood (Kelly); seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Amedisys Hospice Services, 220 New Fidelity Court, Garner, NC 27529.

Arrangements by Strickland Funeral Home, Wendell, www.stricklandfuneralhomes.net.