Merritt, Brynda Cayton

Brynda Joyce Cayton Merritt, 76, of Blacksburg, passed away on November 28 with her loving husband by her bedside. Brynda was born on May 29, 1947, to the late Howard and Evelyn Cayton. She was predeceased by two brothers, Hayward and Leslie Cayton.

Brynda graduated from Cave Spring High School, Averett College, and later from Mary Baldwin University. After college Brynda worked in her father’s company in Roanoke until 1984 when she followed Lu to Blacksburg. Here she began a thirty-year career at Virginia Tech culminating in the Registrar’s Office where she scheduled all of the classrooms on campus. She received a framed resolution from the Board of Visitors commending her on thirty years of outstanding service to the University.

Brynda is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lucius M. Merritt, Jr., a daughter, Jennifer Merritt; two grandsons, Reagan and Riley Cole; and a sister, Betty Ziringer (Ed). Brynda is also survived by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Brynda enjoyed being around her family, especially during the holiday seasons and special occasions. Family was of utmost importance to her, and she prioritized family matters before all other demands.
Brynda and Lu spent many summer weekends at her family’s cottage at Smith Mountain Lake as well as summer beach trips to North and South Carolina, the last thirty-five years in Hilton Head Island. She loved walking on the beach every day!

The family wishes to thank the nurses, CNA’s and all of the staff at the Kroontje Health Care Center at Warm Hearth Village for their loving and personal care of Brynda during the past year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be considered, to the Warm Hearth Foundation.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17 from 3 to 5 pm at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg. Her funeral service will be private.