Ira Dolores Merritt was born March 27, 1949 in Marianna, Florida, the daughter of Frances L. Pittman of Bartow, FL, and the late Joshua Pittman. She later moved to Rochester, New York where she attended
school in the Rochester City School District’s School Number 14 and Monroe High School. She graduated from Monroe Community College in 1971 with a degree in Recreational Supervision. Ira was an outgoing individual who deeply loved her family and enjoyed spending quality time with them. She will be remembered for her warm, inviting smile that made anyone feel cared for and important. Ira was a hard worker with an excellent work ethic. She was employed with the Eastman Kodak Company for a period of 21 years prior to her retirement.
Having departed this life April 26, 2023, Ira is predeceased by her father, Joshua Pittman and two sisters, Pallie A. Pittman-Monroe and Lucretia Womack. She leaves to cherish fond memories: her mother, Frances L. Pittman of Bartow, Florida; stepson, Carlas Merritt of Rochester, NY; sisters, Joycie Mae Golden of Pensacola, FL and Rev. Shirley Carr-Myrick of Titusville FL; nieces, Roseanda Pittman- Williams of Rochester, NY and Aaronda (Steve) Huston of VA; nephews, Jimmy L. Monroe Jr. and Marlon (Fran) Monroe of Rochester, NY; Godson, Larry Blue of Rochester, NY; Goddaughter, Pamela Gilchrist-Roper of VA; great-nieces: Jasmine (Aundra) Pittman of Bartow, FL, Harmony (Frank IV) Cooper of Lake Wales, FL, Islynn Monroe of Rochester, NY and Chyanne Pallie Monroe of Houston, TX; great-nephews: Maison Monroe and Naeem Monroe of Rochester, NY; three great-great-nephews and two great-great-nieces, all residing in Polk County, FL; special cousins: Robert Speights and Debra Wardell of Bartow, FL, Gladys (Frank) Jenkins of Atlanta, GA and Patsy (Jerry) Mango of Barson FL; and a host of friends, including special friends: Larry Copeland, Norris (“Noreaga”) Sanders, Sonny Cunningham, Linda Johnson, Patricia Linton, William (Slim) Washington, Mark Shepherd, Leatha Willoughby, and Jimmie Wraggs.