Ms. Meritta Ann Wilson, age 83, passed away on June 30, 2025, due to cardiac arrest.

Born on March 9, 1942, in Bartow, Florida, to Eugene Leslie and Annie Steadman Wilson. Meritta was a proud fourth-generation member of a pioneering Florida family. She was raised in Auburndale, Florida, and graduated with the Auburndale High School Class of 1960. She later attended Florida State University before marrying Francois J. Porte in 1968. Though the marriage ended in divorce, Meritta embraced life’s next chapter with enthusiasm, moving to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands during the 1970s. There, she found joy, adventure, and lifelong friendships that spanned the globe.

Upon returning to Lakeland, Florida, Meritta built a successful career in real estate with Sun State Homes, earning numerous accolades including Salesperson of the Year and multiple Salesperson of the Month awards. She later transitioned into the insurance industry, where she thrived as a life and health agent and eventually served as office manager for Accredited Insurance Services for 12 years before retiring at the age of 72.

Meritta was a voracious reader, avid gardener, devoted cat lover, and enthusiastic world traveler to many countries. Her love, outgoing personality, warmth, and zest for life left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Annie and Eugene Leslie Wilson, and her sister, Sherry Wilson Pettus Miller. She is survived by her niece Deanne Pettus Janowski and her daughter Blake Janowski of Iowa Falls, Iowa; nephews Richard (Rick) Pettus of Kemmie, Iowa, and Daryl E. Pettus of Florida; and numerous cousins, especially Barbara “Sissy” Morris, as well as many other nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She is also lovingly remembered by her best friend and adopted sister, Barnie Lee Esposito of Lakeland, Florida.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Kersey Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place at Auburndale Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburndale, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA of Lakeland, Florida, or Good Shepherd Hospice.