Edna Merryman Allison, 91, of Norfolk, VA passed away on January 11, 2026.  Born in Portland, TN on December 12, 1934, she was the daughter of Olean and J.C. McCormack. Edna grew up in Tennessee and took great pride in her identity as a Southern woman and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Edna lived a long and productive life. She married her first husband, Bob Merryman, a member of the US Air Force and they spent years moving from duty station to station living in various states and countries including California, New Mexico, Hawaii and Okinawa. During those years, Edna was amazingly able to pursue her own career with the civil service.

After her first husband passed away in 1988, Edna later remarried Cliff Allison, a US Air Force officer. Shortly after they were married, Edna retired after working for many years in civil service, with her final years at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA, serving as a secretary for several generals. Edna was extremely meticulous and organized - at work and at home.

After retiring, Cliff and Edna enjoyed traveling the country. They went on countless road trips and spent their time between Vero Beach, FL and Portsmouth, VA.

Edna enjoyed starting everyday by reading the newspaper, completing the crossword puzzle and always having a toothpick by her side.

For nearly 30 years, she enjoyed spending time with her family on numerous vacations to the Outer Banks and "Camp". Edna moved to the East Beach area of Norfolk in 2006 where she was surrounded by close friends and lots of family. She was able to attend countless sporting events for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - even at the age of 90 and always was at Sunday family dinners! Many memories include her around the card table playing Hand and Foot and Dominoes with family and friends. She was known to always have luck on her side during these games and always asked "Where can I play a wild card?"

Edna was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Robert L. Merryman; her second husband, Clifford Allison, Jr.; brothers Bill and Johnny McCormack of Portland, TN, as well as a granddaughter, Holly Merryman. She is survived by her sons, Steven A. Merryman (Gretchen) and David L. Merryman (Reana); grandchildren, Cayte Brown (DJ), Bobby Merryman, and Julie Williams (Jake); and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Bobby McCormack of Whitehouse TN, sister-in-law, Gayle Sprinkle of Bono, AR; niece Sharon Costa of Whitehouse, TN, stepchildren, Margaret Surber, Jennifer Brogden, and Cindi Gendron, as well as other nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton with a visitation from 11 a.m.– 12 p.m.  Interment will follow the service at Parklawn Memorial Park.