Meryl Crews

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we remember Meryl Crews, who departed this world on June 19, 2026, in Winter Haven, Florida. Born on October 23, 1956, in Brooklyn, NY, Meryl's journey was marked by love, resilience, and a kindness that touched countless lives from her earliest days right up to her final moments. 

Throughout her life, Meryl was a steadfast presence for those she loved and a beacon of integrity in her professional world. Her remarkable career, spanning forty-five years as a security control specialist, culminated in her role as an IT operations manager—a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. Colleagues and friends alike admired her diligent work ethic and the generous way she mentored those around her, always finding time to lend a helping hand or a patient ear. 

Yet, behind her accomplished career, Meryl’s heart thrived most in the company of family and the embrace of life’s joys. She found happiness in attending concerts, immersing herself in music, and singing—her voice always lifted those near her. Art and travel filled her days with vibrant color and new horizons, but nothing made her heart soar more than being with her grandchildren, whose laughter and wonder she adored above all else. Each of these moments became treasured memories, woven into the fabric of her remarkable life. 

Meryl is preceded in death by her parents, Murray and Helen Handler. She is survived by her spouse of 45 years, James; her daughters, Melanie (Chris) Cayson, Emily (Nick) Cliett; grandchildren, Connor Norton, Alyse Barlow, Jules Cliett, Ila Cliett, Jordan Cayson. 

A gathering honoring Meryl will be held on June 25, 2026, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Meryl will be laid to rest at Rolling Hills Cemetery, 4810 Tilden Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881. 

Those who knew Meryl are invited to gather and celebrate a life marked by sincerity, joy, and an enduring kindness that will never be forgotten.