02/02/2025
The Estate of Sylvia Moy, legendary Motown Songwriter and Producer mourns the passing of Merril Moy-Ward
The Co-Managers of the Estate of Sylvia Moy LLC are sorry to announce that Merril Moy Ward, sister of Sylvia Moy, Motown's first female songwriter/producer, and 2006 Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee who predeceased her in 2017, passed yesterday January 28, 2025. Merril, known to the family as "Ronnie" was admitted to Harper Hospital in Detroit with Covid/Pneumonia but passed after suffering a heart attack.
"Like my sister, Sylvia, Ronnie had a beautiful singing voice, a loving and free spirit who had an infectious laugh", said Moy LLC Co-Manager Christopher Moy.
"Growing up, Ronnie and Sylvia were active members of the Methodist Youth Fellowship at Mitchell Memorial Church that later became Conant Avenue UMC, where they often sang duets in Church programs". added Moy LLC Co-Manager Celeste Moy.
Ronnie was also a creative writer of plays. She produced and wrote several light-hearted plays, and held auditions, and rehearsals with selected Senior citizens in her Church and Community Centers where she resided to perform her plays for the enjoyment of her Church, friends, neighbors, and family.
She is survived by 2 sons, Carl Ward, Jr, and Aleric Bell Ward, her husband Carl Ward, Sr. and 7 siblings. Final arrangements are not yet available.
Sorry, we don’t have a photo at press time.
Gail Parenteau, Parenteau Guidance - Publicity Rep for the Estate of Sylvia Moy 212-532-3934
