Merilyn Adelaide Shelley Kaplan

Merilyn Adelaide Shelley Kaplan, 99, peacefully died October 8, 2021, with family by her side at Givens Highland Farms in Black Mountain, NC.

Merilyn was born August 17, 1922 in Cairo, GA, to Volender and Elizabeth Shelley. They later relocated to Monticello, FL where she spent most of her childhood. Merilyn graduated Monticello High School in 1940.

Merilyn acquired her Nursing Diploma from Georgia Baptist Hospital in 1944. She devoted her life to caring for children at Miami Childrens Hospital. She went on to get her BSN from Florida International University, and MSN Public Health from Loma Linda University.

Merilyn was a devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and her nursing career as a Pediatric Nurse.

She was an active member of the Miami SDA Church and Asheville North SDA Church.

Merilyn is survived by her daughter, Merilyn L. Honeycutt; her grandson, Matthew A. Bieler; her granddaughter, Jennifer M. Cleary; her grandson, Jonathan N. Honeycutt; and four great-grandchildren: Alec, Anna, Taryn and Sophia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. A.N. Kaplan, Jr.; her son, Vollie B. Bieler; three brothers: Fred, Hoke and Wade; and two sisters: Doris and Amaryllis.

The funeral service will be held at the Western NC State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. A viewing invitation at Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road for family and friends will be from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow.

In her memory, donations may be made to Givens Highland Farms Health Center, 200 Tabernacle Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.