Merari Araya-Gonzalez

With sadness, we announce the passing of Merari Araya-Gonzalez. 

On January 1, 2024, Merari unexpectedly passed away in her sleep. Merari is preceded in death by her mother Niza Crespo, her sister Abigail Torres Crespo, and her father Rafael Torres.   She is survived by her husband, Gilbert Araya, Jr., their four children: Aliah (19), Thalia (16), Gabriel (7), and Abigail (6), and her siblings, Rafael Torres Crespo, Agar Ivelisse Torres, and Ruth Maria James. 

Merari was a soft-spoken, introvert with a great love for others. She not only believed there was good in the world, but she actively looked for it in others. She was a devout follower of the bible and had a fierce belief in God. Merari was a great mother, who happily spent her days caring for her children and her husband. She was intentional in creating a home that was a sanctuary from the world, a space filled with love, comfort, joy, and amazing cooking. During the last year of her life, Merari was baptized at Compassion Church in Rincon, Georgia and made a concerted effort to become more involved in the church through weekly bible studies and unfailing Sunday service attendance.  

“I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss of her mouth, one touch of her hand, que la eternidad sin ella.” 

Those who wish to pay their respects are invited to the funeral service at Compassion Christian Church, Effingham Campus located at 810 Fort Howard Rd., Rincon, GA 31326 on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM. 

The Araya-Gonzalez family would like to thank the Effingham County Fire Department, EMS, Sherriff’s Department, Chaplain Office, and Coroner’s Office for allowing the hours following Merari’s death to be a dignified one that honored the grief of our family. We would also like to thank Compassion Church-Effingham Campus, Region 12, Effingham, & Bryan County DFCS, and our beloved friends who have offered every kindness imaginable during this devastating time for our family.

Low Country Cremation & Burial is honored to serve the Araya-Gonzalez family during this difficult time.