She is survived by a beloved husband of 50 years, Robert Clark Field, the families of her two daughters, Heather and Vince Benedetti, grandchildren Clark, Katelyn, Eli and Susanna Benedetti, Lauren and Stan Halbkat, and grandchildren, Allington and Robert Halbkat, and all those who will miss her presence. She loved and was much loved by her friends, family, students and all those whose lives were touched by hers.

A native of Jackson, Miss., Merilyn received a registered X-ray technician diploma, and she spent the early years of her life as a wife and mother. In 1995, she received a B.A. degree from Converse College, with a major in psychology and art therapy. She received an M.A. degree in art therapy from Vermont College in Montpelier, Vt.

After receiving her registered art therapy M.A., she subsequently worked with psychiatric and geriatric populations in the Behavioral Health Dept. at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. In 1999, she became director of the art therapy program at Converse College. She held that position, establishing many internships and relationships between students and organizations needing art therapy within the community. She was the president of the art therapy association, and during her professional life she curated art shows displaying art work of Alzheimers, geriatrics, art of the outsider, work of cancer patients, dream work of college students, and exhibiting her own style of using art to grieving individually and for the collective. She retired from Converse in 2007.

No funeral services are planned.

Merilyn&squo;s celebration of life gathering will be held at her home on Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722.

An online guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, is in charge of arrangements.

‐ paid obituary