Mary Ella Merritt

Ms. Mary Ella Merritt, 76, passed away on Tuesday evening, August 26, at Gordon Hospital in Calhoun, GA. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, from the graveside at Oak Grove Cemetery. Rev. Brooks Partain officiated. The family received friends on Friday evening, August 29, between the hours of 6:00 & 8:00 PM, at Hancock Funeral Home. Born July 2, 1938 in Americus, Ms. Merritt was a daughter of the late Samuel Mickleberry Merritt and Janet B. Scarborough Merritt. She was an educator in the Atlanta City School System, having received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Georgia where she was a member of Chi Omega, and her Masters Degree from Georgia State College. She loved animals, gardening, and people. Survivors include one brother, Dr. Thomas Burton Merritt, MD (Robbie) of Dothan, AL; one sister, Mrs. Jane Merritt Myers (Lamar) of Americus; three nephews: Tom Merritt (Janice) of Beaufort, SC, Sam Merritt of Americus, and John Merritt of Savannah; one niece: Merritt Myers Wall (Scott) of St. Simons Island, GA; Uncle Bobby and Aunt Rene Scarborough; caretakers and "adopted" family: Margartia Mackensen, Martin Mackensen, Victoria Mackensen, and Alan Mackensen; and loyal friends: Dale & Pam King of Alpharetta and Catherine Horton of Calhoun. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Sumter Humane Society; 108 Industrial Blvd.; Americus, GA 31719; 229-924-0268 or to the Boys & Girls Club of Americus/Sumter County, Inc.; P.O. Box 1192; Americus, GA 31709; 229-924-9119. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Ms. Mary Ella Merritt.