VERA WALTON MERRITT

of the Indian Head Braves Little League Baseball and Cheer Teams. In 2007 they were recognized by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Nu Zeta Omega Chapter for their Contributions to the Community. They freely supplied “Fried Oysters” to fourth graders at J. C. Parks Elementary School at the culmination of their environmental studies. They donated food for Safe Nights Programs and National Night Out Events. After retiring from Waltons, Vera continued to remain on site to assist her brothers who took over the business. Covid caused the closing of the carryout, but it is not gone forever.

Vera Walton Merritt was born in Pomonkey, Charles County, Maryland and received her early education in the Charles County Public School System. A 1962 graduate of Pomonkey High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Morgan State (College) University in Baltimore, Md. in 1966. She earned her Master of Science Degree in Education also from Morgan State University in 1971. After teaching in the Baltimore City

System for eight years, Vera relocated to Los Angeles, California and was immediately hired by the Los Angeles Unified School District where she taught for 28 years until her retirement in 2002. During her tenure there she earned a second Masters’ Degree in School Administration and Supervision from Pepperdine University, Los Angeles Campus. During her teaching career she has served as a Mentor Teacher for beginning teachers, Resource Teacher over the Computer Labs, the Library, and several Teacher Assistants. She sometimes worked with budgets of half a million dollars and was proud to say she never misplaced a penny but did have some sleepless nights.

After retiring, Vera returned ‘home’ to participate in the family business, Waltons Market / Waltons Seafood Carryout & Catering. She and her sister Barbara were owners and operators of the business from 2000 to 2009. They participated in the training of students from Lackey High School and were sponsors

Ms. Merritt remains active in the community. She has served as an Election Judge for the Charles County Board of Elections. She is a founding member and is currently active in the Morgan State University Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter and a Lifetime Member of the Morgan State University National Alumni Association. She’s an active member of the Pomonkey High School Alumni Association, an active member of Metropolitan United Methodist Church, secretary of the Western Charles Democratic Club, supportive member of the Charles County African American Heritage Society, the Bel Alton High School Alumni Association CDC, and participant in the Village of Pomonkey Project as well as the Carroll Family Farm (her Mother’s Legacy) Project. Idle time favorites include tracing her Family’s Genealogy, reading for pleasure, family and friends cookouts, taking family vacations, and lounging around outside enjoying the sun, the fresh air, and her plants.

Those that know her would say it would be hard to find someone that is as: sincere warm-hearted dedicated to hardworking unselfish and calm, cool, and collective as she is.

When asked how she manages such a busy lifestyle, her response is “One Day at a Time!” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.