Merle Davis Umstead | |
|---|---|
| First Lady of North Carolina | |
| In office January 8, 1953 – November 7, 1954 | |
| Governor | William B. Umstead |
| Preceded by | Mary White Scott |
| Succeeded by | Martha Blakeney Hodges |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 11, 1901 Bostic, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | April 14, 1988 (aged 86) Durham, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Resting place | Mount Tabor United Methodist Church Cemetery Rougemont, North Carolina |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | William B. Umstead |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | Duke University |
Merle Holland Davis Umstead (July 11, 1901 – April 14, 1988) was an American educator, political hostess, and civic leader. She worked as a school principal and as a high school teacher prior to her marriage. As the wife of Governor William B. Umstead, she served as First Lady of North Carolina from 1953 to 1954. Widowed after her husband died during his term as governor, she and her daughter had to vacate the North Carolina Executive Mansion and returned to Durham, North Carolina. Umstead also served as the President of the Durham American Legion Auxiliary and served on the board of trustees of East Carolina University.