Merilyn Gianforte was born September 12, 1933 in Kilmichael, MS. She went to be with her Lord August 14th 2015 in Shreveport, LA. Mrs. Gianforte was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. The love of her life was Joseph Gianforte to whom she was married for 65 years. She loved gardening and ceramics, and devoted her endless energy and compassion to making a home full of love and peace. The essence of her life is preserved in the ceramic gifts she lovingly made for many family and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe, her devoted mother Opal T. Watson, and one sibling. Surviving Mrs. Gianforte are two siblings; her three children; John Gianforte and wife Hazel, Fred Gianforte and wife Cheryl; and a daughter, Lynn Mills and husband Larry; five grandchildren, John Mills, Nicole Mills-Bates and husband Jason, Emily Gianforte, John A. Gianforte, and Elliot Gianforte; a great grandchild Riley Bates; other relatives and a host of friends. A church service celebrating the life of Mrs. Gianforte will be conducted Saturday, August 22nd, 11:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church, Bossier City, LA. Officiating will be Father Pike Thomas. Visitation with the family will be at 10:00 AM before the service at the church. Interment will follow at Centuries Memorial Park Cemetery, Shreveport, LA . Memorials should be made to the St. Jude Catholic Church Building Fund, 4700 Palmetto Rd. Benton, LA 71006.