Merida Lee Sexton Legg

Merida Lee (Sexton) Legg, 87, of Scarbro, WV, passed into eternity in the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at Plateau Medical Center after a long illness. Merida was born May 4, 1925 at Whitesburg, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Clara Huckabee Sexton Barnhart and Merida Sexton. Merida attended school in Layland and later worked at the Layland Company Store.  While in Layland, she delighted in dancing and driving around in the car her brother, Estel, had left in her keeping while he was away at war. In 1945 she was swept off her feet by the love of her life, the handsome Marine, Fred Lucian Legg.  After marrying, Fred and Merida lived mainly in Oak Hill while raising their two sons, Freddie and Wayne. In 1973 they moved to a farm on the top of Plum Orchard Lake Road and started what would become White Oak Farm and a clan of Legg’s. After Fred’s early death in 1977, Merida was surrounded by the love of her devoted sons and their families through the ensuing years. Merida lived by the Biblical principles of never saying an unkind word about anyone and maintaining an unwavering childlike faith in God through Jesus Christ as Savior. Merida’s amazing gift as a “baby whisperer” was legendary; fussy babies calmed almost magically in her arms.  Karson and Isacc now have a loving Maw Maw to rock them until the family is reunited. In addition to her parents, Merida was preceded in death by her husband, Fred L. Legg; her brother, Bulis (Boots) Sexton and his wife, Opal Sexton; her brother Estel Sexton; and two great–grandchildren, Karson Boggs and Isacc Boggs. Merida is survived by her two sons, Freddie Lee Legg and wife, Becky of Scarbro and Terry Wayne Legg and wife, Mary Lou of Scarbro;granddaughter, Shauna Boggs and husband, Michael of Scarbro; grandson, Aaron Legg of Scarbro; grandson, Erik Legg and wife, Cindy of Huntington; grandson, Phillip Legg and wife, Lori of Scarbro; grandson, Kace Legg and wife, Jade of Beckley. She is survived by fifteen great-grandchildren: Logan, Connor, and Dalton Boggs; Alle Rae Legg; Andrew, Justin, Phillip James, and Derik Legg; Preston, Kade, Gage, Cole, and Ashton Legg; Avery and Kamden Legg. She is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Edna Sexton of Oak Hill; two brothers-in law, Daniel Legg and wife, Becky of Bradley, Bobby Legg and wife, Polly of Beckley; and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to give special thanks to her faithful caregivers and friends, Ruth King and Lila Holliday. A grateful note of appreciation is also extended to Stephanie of Hospice House and to the compassionate nursing staff and doctors at Plateau Medical Center. Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Rev. Rudell Bloomfield officiating. Burial will be at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill. Friends may call two hours prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home. Family members will serve as pallbearers with great grandchildren as honorary pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV