Betty Ruth Merritt James: Tabor City

1945 – 2025

     Betty Ruth Merritt James of Tabor City died Saturday, June 7, in McLeod Loris hospital. She was 79.

     Born Sept. 12, 1945 in Horry County, she was the daughter of the late Luther Leo Merritt and Betty Floyd Merritt.

     She is survived by one daughter, Angela Lynn Buffkin (Walter) of Tabor City; two sisters, Frances Ward of Loris and Linda Nelson of Alabama; three grandchildren, Matthew Rabon, Aaron Buffkin, and Jessica Buffkin; and four great grandchildren.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Stevie Roy Buffkin and Norman James; two sons, Steven Wayne Buffkin and Derrick Shane Buffkin; one daughter, Rebecca Ann Buffkin; three brothers, Jimmy Merritt, Lacy Merritt, and Kenneth Merritt; and a sister, Diane Faulk.

     Visitation was planned from 7 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, in Inman Ward Funeral Home, Tabor City.

     Graveside services were planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, June 12, in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Tabor City.

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