Semaj Kieonia Merrill

Semaj Kieonia Delories Merrill (Moochie) passed unexpectantly on January 9, 2026, at her residence in Stamford, CT. Semaj was 30 years young. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by her sudden death. She was born on May 2, 1995, in New Haven, CT. Moochie was a child who brought life to the household with a lot of laughter. Moochie was always eager to embrace new experiences and embark on adventures. Her curiosity and enthusiasm led her to explore the world with an open heart, never shying away from the unknown. Her affection for animals was evident in the diverse array of pets she welcomed into her life. From loyal dogs and gentle rabbits to colorful fish, Moochie found joy in caring for them all. She even had snakes for a time, though those were met with less enthusiasm from the family and were soon rehomed. She initially said that she was going to be a veterinarian and go into forensics science. Moochie traveled with the family and loved the experience of it all. From Connecticut to Boston, Maine, Rhode Island to New York, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Florida to Bermuda. She loved it all whether it was in a van or airplane. She was ready. Her favorite saying was “are we there yet?” Moochie was a bright child, and she excelled in her classes. She was a talkative yet quiet person. Semaj was reading in nursery school and would read short stories before napping time to the class. The teacher, Mrs. Miller, was surprised and loved it. Moochie believed in protecting the people she loved. Titiana was her best friend, and Moochie had no problem rushing to rescue Titiana. She believed in defending anyone who was wronged. Most of the time she got in trouble for trying to help someone else. She loved her sisters, her grandma Neather Shaw. Moochie was blessed to be adopted by Sonya and grew to love her new life. She attended Greater Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church in Stamford, CT briefly and then was baptized into membership at Bethel AME Church, Norwalk, CT by the late Rev. Alfred Tyson. They loved Moochie. The late Rev. Eleanor Douglas Dawson and Rev. Angelo Dawson became Semaj’s godparents. Moochie sang in the children’s choir, was a liturgical dancer, YPD, acolyte and children’s church while attending Bethel. Moochie had many struggles, but she faced them and was able to live a life full of love. Moochie’s memories live on with her mother, Bishop Designate, Dr. Sonya Merrill-Williams, Stepfather Wayne Williams; sisters: Shekeya, Shakoya, Patricia, Kaylani; brother: Wayne and MacKenson; Biological mother: Tina Parker; sister: Katina, Aaliyah and Latrina; brothers: Joseph, James, and Anthony. Her favorite niece that she spent weekends with and phone calls with Zoe and nephew Legend. Moochie loved to bake cookies with her nephews Isaiah and Jeremiah. She also leaves to cherish memories with her favorite great aunt, Viola Dennison; her sister cousin, Lisa Dennison; her partner in crime, Miles and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and church family and her friend “Kiki”. She loved the staff at Depinedo Ave., Jamaal and Sasha, who were her extended family. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 10:00AM – 11:00AM followed by a service of celebration at 11:00AM at Bethel A M E Church, 110 Grove Street, Bridgeport, CT. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport, CT

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Semaj Kieonia Merrill

May 2, 1995 - January 9, 2026