Lettie Mae (Sapp) Merritt

Lettie Sapp was born on March 13, 1941 in Crockett, Texas to Lizzie Woolbright and Roscoe Sapp.  She was lovingly raised by her mother and step-father, Ben Marshall, as well as her father and step-mother, Nellie B. Sapp.   Lettie often spoke of how blessed she felt to have had such caring step-parents.  She would say that they were “the best” she could have asked for, and that both sides of her family go along so well that she always felt welcomed, accepted, and surrounded by love.

As the oldest sibling, Lettie deeply cherished the memories of each of her brother and sisters being born-holding those moments close to her heart.  She graduated from Williams High, earning the honor of Salutatorian; a proud achievement that reflected her intelligence, drive and determination.

On May 19, 1961, Lettie married Leundus “Joe” Merritt, the love of her life. They were blessed with four children and built a life grounded in love, strength, and umnwavering commitment.  Joe served in the United States Army for 23 years. As a proud military wife, Lettie supported him through multiple relocations across the country and overseas.  The family’s time in Germany-three extended visits-became especially memorable as they developed a life-long friendship with Oscar and Betty Jordan. Through their union, she also gained two beloved brothers-in-law (Roy and James Merritt) and a cherished sister-in-law (Octavia Bowens).

After Joe was stationed at Fort Hood, they settled in Killeen, Texas where they built their forever home.  Lettie later began to fulfill a career with the State of Texas, a role she truly enjoyed. After their unfortunate divorce, in her latter years, Lettie moved to Houston to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She eventually made her home in Rosenberg, Texas with her daughter and son-in-law.  Family was Lettie’s heart. She poured love, loyalty and protection into everyone of her relationships. She would never hesitate to provide for or stand up for her loved ones. When it came to her family, she didn’t play. Her love ran deep and unwavering.

Lettie was a faithful member of Christian Bible Baptist Church where she served as an usher for many years until her health no longer allowed her to attend. Her devotion to God and her church family was an important part of her life.  In her latter years, Lettie was blessed with three great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life and kept her spirit young. She also enjoyed traveling, family trips, and one of her favorite pastimes-playing the slot machines, where she was known for always giving the casino a run for its money!

On October 13, 2025, Lettie Merritt entered into the realm of eternity.  She was preceded in death by her son (L.J. Merritt, who passed in Germany as an infant), parents, step-parents, 6 siblings (Garland Sapp, Catherine Fields, Ben Marshall, Jr., Oliver Sapp, Patricia Moss, L.D. Marshall).  Left to honor her life and cherish her memory are her children: Roy A. Merritt of Missouri City,  Alzetta Lindsay (Sherard, IV) of Rosenberg, Texas, Leundus Merritt, Jr. of Missouri City; grand-children: Brittaney Merritt, Chantelle   Merritt, Tenai Merritt, LaShay Brown (Anthony D.), Roy A. Merritt, Jr., Scherard H. Lindsay, V, Damarcus Lindsay; great-grandchildren: Major M. Merritt, Joshua C. Winsteard, Sage R. Brown, siblings: Norris Sapp (Denise), Gary Sapp, and Michael Sapp, al of Dallas, Tina Sapp, Trina Sapp, Mary Sapp Willis, Melva Alford, and Gaytha Smith, all of Dallas, Texas, Linda Sapp and Emma Sanders, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Robert Sanders of Phoenix, Arizona, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Although we mourn her passing, we celebrate the gift of her life, strength, and legacy. She leaves behind a family forever changed by her love.  She leaves behing a legacy of strength, grace and unwavering love. Her life was a reflection of her deep commitment to her family, values and faith. She will be remembered for her wisdom, sense of humor, sharp wit, and most of all, the love she poured into everyone she met.

As one of her loved ones beautifully put it, “If I can’t see you reflecting my Grandma’s values, then I already know your worth”.

Rest peacefully, Lettie. You gave us more than we could ever repay.

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