Bertha Merritt

Bertha L. Merritt, better Known as “Mommy Tracey”, transitioned peacefully on August 11, 2025 at Presbyterian Hospital , where she was surrounded by loved ones. Mommy Tracey was born December 3, 1938 in Glen Cove, Long Island to the late Frank Merritt and Louise Virginia Ashton.Mommy Tracey moved to the city in the 1950s and quickly became popular in Washington Heights and Harlem. Mommy Tracey was not religious however she had a personal relationship with God. She loved Jesus but represented Black Power!Mommy Tracey was loved and respected in the community, often labeled as “The Realest G-Ma to ever do it!” She was known for her wisdom, assertiveness, fire personality, spicy mouth, sharp wit, stank girl face and her bold fashion statements that represented Black consciousness, provided by her son, Sa Neter. Dancing was a form of self-expression she used to maintain her youthful spirit. Mommy Tracey was predeceased by her mother Louise Easterling, father Frank Merritt, brothers, James and William Merritt, Henry and Willie Ashton, Anthony Easterling, Sister Frances L. Merritt, Vernae Easterling. Daughter, Kim Mintor, Deborah Garry, Gloria Gary. Son, Richard Garry , Grandson, Johnny Elliott Jr. Nieces, Candace, Marcellena, and Sharnae.Mommy Tracey leaves behind: her children; Joanne Elliott (Johnny), Frank Garry (Cynthia), Michelle Garry, two siblings , Louvida Lewis and Richard William (Anita). Fifteen grandchildren, Shauntia, Keyana, Rahsheim Gary (Sakinah), Darnell, Nakita, Kimberly, Sean, Richard (Shantell), Durrell, Montel, Afrika, Asante, Jabari, Michael, Nigel, Robin. Eleven great grandchildren, Tyliyah, Trevor, Johnny III, Johnny III, Emma, Sincere, Yasmeen, Tahsheim, Rahiem, Sarenity, Michael III, two great-great grand and a host of family and friends.