2 Timothy 4:7-8 declares "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.

This verse so perfectly reflects the courage, faith and victorious endurance of Mrs. Raven Monique Weise Merine.

Raven was born on September 23, 1993 to the delight of her parents:  Walter Weise and Madeline Hawkins Weise.  She was a welcomed joy to all. During her early years it was apparent Raven was full of many talents.  She was an amazing honor roll students who took delight in taking part in everything. She accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of her beloved pastor, Apostle Kathy Hawkins.  At church she flourished singing in the choir, serving as armor bearer and praise dancer.  Raven absolutely adored the praise of dance with her cousins: Elijah Henderson, Jr., Dorothy Pender, Jhelecia Patel, Courtney Jackson, Brianne Hawkins and her sister, Nina.  It was more than a praise; was a ministry.

"She fought, she finished, she kept the faith!"

She loved her family and spending time with her cousins who were more like sisters and brothers.  They played together, sang together, worked together, praised and prayed together.  It was at the family landmark home of Mark Sr. and Thanie Hawkins where she learned a deep sense of family devotion.   She was a total supportive and steadfast big sister for Nina, protecting and always looking out for her.  Their sisterly connection was one to cherish, taking extensive care of each other.

While much of her elementary years were in Hamilton County Schools, she spent a short stint in New Jersey.  In high school. Raven was a part of it all and left her mark at Miss Hamilton County High, Honor Society, 2012 Graduating Class Salutatorian and so much more.  She loved school trips, events and making memories with her trusted classmates.  She never stopped sharing memories of her first trip to Washington, DC during high school, FAMU experiences and falling in love with her high school sweetheart – Bo!

Raven was so excited when she received her acceptance letter to Florida A & M University and even more excited when she graduated with her Bachelor's degree.  Not only did FAMU afford Raven an education but the opportunity to forge friendships through the Psi Psi Healthcare Sorority that would last a lifetime.  This sisterhood has been the epitome of what sisters are… supporting the family steadily throughout Raven's health journey.

After graduation, it was just in the natural order of things for Bo to propose.  This lovely couple united in holy matrimony on August 1, 2015 in Tallahassee, Florida.

Soon after, they spent a tour in Japan and while Bo served in the United States Air Force. Bo and Raven made so many precious memories abroad; and it was a joyous time when they returned from Japan with a BIG surprise.

"She fought, she finished, she kept the faith!"

A devoted Christian, she lived her life anchored in faith, trusting God through every season.  Even in her courageous battle with cancer, she remained a source of strength, encouragement, and grace to all who knew her.  Her testimony was not one of defeat, but of unwavering hope, resilience and peace.

"She fought, she finished, she kept the faith!"

She was a passionate educator who poured her heart into shaping young minds and nurturing future generations.  Her classroom was more than a place of learning.  It was a place of kindness, inspiration and care, full of ladybugs.

"She fought, she finished, she kept the faith!"

At home, she was a loving and devoted wife, a nurturing and proud mother and the heartbeat of her family.  She created a home filled with warmth, laughter, prayer and unconditional love.   She lived for Bo and their four precious babies.  Raven took in the simple things in life with her family, celebrating it all.  To her friends, she was loyal, compassionate, joyful, and always ready with a listening ear or uplifting word.

"She fought, she finished, she kept the faith!"

Mrs. Merine began her teaching career in Hamilton County School District on August 13, 2018.  She taught from the heart and created the most rewarding learning experiences for all of her students.  Her relationship with students, families and community was powerful and lasting.  Once encountered, one never forgot, Raven Weise Merine. She represented as the 2026 Teacher of the Year at Hamilton County High with the grace of the queen she was.

Mrs. Merine was also employed by Suwannee River Nursing Facility, spreading sunshine to the residents and employees there.

"She fought, she finished, she kept the faith!"

Though cancer challenged her body, it never conquered her spirit.  She fought with dignity, courage and faith, leaving a legacy of perseverance and grace.  She carried all of us along the journey through her videos, photos and testimonials.

"She fought, she finished, she kept the faith!"

She leaves behind a legacy of care, devotion, and immeasurable love that will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved and knew her.

At the age of 32, she entered into eternal rest on February 26, 2026 surrounded by love.  Though her journey on earth was far too brief, her impact was profound and lasting.  While our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the assurance that she now rests in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and filled with eternal peace.

"She fought, she finished, she kept the faith!"

Her memory will be cherished forever by her loving and  compassionate husband:  Charles A. "Bo" Merine, II; Children:  Calani, Caslynn, Cardin and Carrigan Merine; Dedicated Parents:  Madeline Hawkins Weise and Walter Weise; Sisters:  Nina Weise who nursed her big sister with such devotion and Demi (Jeremy) Capers; Supportive and Nurturing Grandmothers (Nana):  Annette Hawkins Simmons and Nancy Cain; Grandfather:  Carl Williams; Aunts:  Odie Pearl Hawkins, Linda (Roosevelt) Hollis, Pastor Kathy Hawkins-our dedicated PapPap, Gail Hawkins, Beverly Hawkins Johnson, Evette (Willie) Hawkins Jackson, Nancy Hawkins, Kim (Danny) Clark, Stacy (Paul) Allen, Donna Williams, Pam (Frank) Brown; Uncles:  Ken (Keshia) Hawkins, Thomas (Ida) Jackson, Drew (Shelly) Weise; Faithful uncle/cousin:  Cornelius Bennett; Mother-in-love: Chris Robinson; Father-in-love:  Charles (Lisa) Merine; Grandmother-in-love:  Bernice Robinson; Brothers-in-love:  Char and Marik (Zikirria) Merine; Aunts and uncles-in-love:  Frederick (Waddie) Robinson, Denise (Ervin) Donaldson, Timothea Robinson and Octavious Robinson; Nieces and nephews:  Cayden Merine, Cayson Merine, Mosiah Pollock, Chayce Merine, Sunni Day, Carsyn Merine, Leon Capers, Liam Fleming, Lily and Lila; Godparents:  Beverly H. Johnson and Lee Johnson; Godchildren: Quintin Hines, Jr., Adin and Avie Johnson, Ervin Donaldson, IV; Godsiblings:  Amber (Trey) Schuler, Kaitlyn Curry and Anthony (Rehanshae) Fiveash; Close/Supportive friends: Chineeta Jackson, Rebecca J. Howard, Jasmine D. Williams, Sarah McCalister and Cara Griffin; Heart Mentor and Village Mom:  Paula G.(GiGi) Williams; So many loving cousins, cherished friends, loyal church family and those whose lives she touched deeply.

Raven Weise Merine Fought with Faith

She walked this earth with gentle grace,

A radiant smile and light in every place.

A teacher shaping hearts and minds,

With patient hands and words so kind.

A loving wife, a mother strong,

Her home was warmth, her life a song.

In laughter bright and whispered prayer,

You always felt God's presence there.

When illness came with heavy hand,

She did not fall; she chose to stand.

With courage born of faith so deep,

She trusted God her soul to keep.

Though cancer fought against her frame,

It could not dim her steady flame.

Her spirit soared beyond the pain,

Her hope in Christ would still remain.

She leaves behind more than a name—

A legacy no loss can claim.

For love she gave and seeds she sowed,

Still blossom brightly where they grow.

And though our hearts with sorrow bend,

We know this is not the end.

For Heaven gained a shining light

The day she finished well her fight.

She fought with faith.  She lived in love.

Our angel rests now in His arms above.

I'm Still With You

My loves, extended and church family, please do not let your heart

Be troubled by our time apart.

Though you cannot hold my hand.

I rest within God's perfect plan.

To my dear husband, strong and true,

Thank you Bo, for the love you gave me through

You were my heart, my answered prayer,

My steady strength, my faithful care.

Though tears may fall and nights feel long,

Remember, love, our bond is strong.

To my sweet children, hear me say,

I am still proud of you each day.

Walk in faith and stand up tall,

Be kind, be brave, give God your all.

The love I poured in you will stay—

It did not leave when I went away.

To Mama and Daddy, who held me close,

And loved me more than anyone knows—

Your prayers and strength helped shape my way,

And still surround this family each day.

To my dear sister, my lifelong friend,

Our bond is one that will not end.

Through every laugh and tear we've known,

That sister-love has only grown.

To Pastor, our PapPap who stood in prayer,

Thank you for being on post, for your faithful care.

Your words brought peace, your faith brought light

You helped us stand through every fight.

And Nana, faithful, kind and true,

Thank you for loving my children like you do.

Your helping hands and gentle embrace,

Are gifts of God's amazing grace.

To all of my family, do not lose heart.

We are not forever torn apart.

I fought with faith, I finished strong,

And now I rest in the precious arms of Jesus, where I belong.

Love,

Raven