Home-going celebration of the life of Deacon Willie Merritt, sunrise, August 5, 1914, sunset, February 11, 2013, Saturday, February 16, 2013, 11:00 a.m., Transforming Lives Bible Church, 2439 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, Georgia, Reverend James C. Kendrick, Sr., pastor

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Author: Therese Marie Horn

When I am gone, release me, let me go, I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears, Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank youfor the love each of you has shown,
But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a whilefor me, if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's onlyfor a while that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't befar away, for life goes on, So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch, I'll be near, And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way I'll greet you with a smile and say, "WELCOME HOME!"

Actitoe Casket fearers
Marc Merrit Simmons Dr. Michael Merritt Collins
Rev. Dr. Byron Knapper Chuckie Hickson Darryl Hickson
William Knapper, II Dennis Lewis Teddy Lewis Larry Bing Ricky Mahone
honorary Casket H irers
Deacon Ministry

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eacon Eillte iHerritt

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S unset F ebruary 11, 2013

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on't grieve fo r me, fo r now I 'm free. I 'm follow ing the path God has laid fo r me. I took His hand when I heard Him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found peace at the end o f the day. I f my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered jo y s. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; oh yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times o f sorrow. I wish you the sunshine o f tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much; goodfriends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my time seemed all to brief; don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wanted me now, He has set mefree.
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3n Appreciation
The family wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to each of you for your calls, and all other acts of love and kindness. You have truly been a continuous source of comfort, support and blessings. The family also extends thanks to the cargegivers and Odyssey Hospice. May God continue to bless each of you.

Williams jfuneral Jfyamt, line.

1765 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard * Augusta, Georgia

706.722.5551

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2945 OH Tobacco Road * Hephzibah, Georgia

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706.792.1003

DESIGN/PRINTING BY:
Augusta blueprin t * Augusta, Georgia
(706) 722-6488

"I havefought the goodfight, I havefinished my course, I have kept thefaith . . . "
II T imothy 4:7
Saturday, February 16, 2013 11:00 A.M.
TRANSFORMING LIVES BIBLE CHURCH 2439 Peach Orchard Road

Obituary

^ 5 DEACON WILLIE MERRITT, r g

the first of five children,

%

was born to Jessie and Mattie Wideman Merritt,

on August 5,1914 in Parksville, South Carolina.

On February 11, 2013, God called him home for his reward

Deacon Merritt was predeceased by his wife, DeaconessWillie Mae Hickson Merritt; two brothers, George Merritt and William Cash; and two sisters, Elizabeth Merritt Colder and Atlee Merritt Crowder, all of San Francisco, California.

Deacon Merritt gave his life to Christ at an early age when he joined Hale Street Baptist Church, where he was a member for more than eighty-five years. He loved helping others, and was always very pleasant. As a very loyal, active, vibrant and faithful member of Hale Street Baptist Church/ Transforming Lives Bible Church, he performed many tasks in and around the church; participated in the Men's Fellowship Breakfast; and attended church every Sunday until he became ill. In fact, he was willing to do anything that would make his beloved church an enjoyable place of worship. Because he was so active at Hale Street, Reverend Kendrick, the pastor, created and awarded Deacon Merritt the "I Had A Hand In It Award" on May 17,1997.

For seventy-six years (August 5,1934), Brother Merritt was married to his devoted and beloved wife, who passed away suddenly on June 7, 2011. To this union was born one daughter, Marjorie Delores Merritt Simmons. He worked at many challenging jobs at both Merry Brothers Brickyard and Boral Brick and Tile Companies for over thirty-five years. After retirement, Willie Also worked at Sizemore Security Company.

He was truly loved by his family, church members, neighbors and friends, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. In his later years, if he wentout riding three times a day with his daughter, "Son," as he affectionately called her, she would have drive him, each time, by Hale Street Baptist Church and the Riverwalk. He was a very easy-going person and he respected and got along very well with all people, regardless of their race or economic status. He really enjoyed life and loved people. Earlier in his life, he loved the simpler things of life, such as riding his bicycle, having a nice conversation, strolling around a mall, driving neighbors to the grocery store, or swimming with family members as he was an excellent swimmer. Deacon Merritt was truly blessed with Godly wisdom.

Deacon Merritt's homegoing marks the end of a generation of five siblings. Ironically, his wife's passing marked the end of a Hickson generation of thirteen siblings.

Deacon Merritt leaves to cherish his memory: his loving, devoted and dedicated daughter, Marjorie Delores Merritt Simmons
(Dr. Joe Louis); two granddaughters, Charmaygne Michelle Simmons and Jennifer Lynn Simmons; two great grandsons,
Marc Merritt Simmons (India), all of Richmond, VA; and Michael Merritt Collins (Azi) of Columbus, OH six great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

# rD e r o f s>erbtce

Reverend James C. Kendrick, Sr. Pastor, Presiding
Transforming Lives Bible Church
The Prelude........................................................................................ Organist

The Processional................................................................................Organist

The Musical Selection........................................................................... TLBC

The Prayer of Consolation................................ Reverend Sheldon Cooper Galilee Missionary Bapitst Church

The Scriptures Old Testam ent................................. Mrs. Lillian Hickson Goodlett Psalm 23 New T estam ent............................... Reverend Dr. Byron Knapper John 14:1-6

The Acknowledgem ents......................................... Mrs. Geneva Stallings

The Musical T rib u te............................................................................. TLBC

The Reflections (Limit 2 Minutes, P lease)............ Deacon Lester Brooks Dr. Carmen LeJune Hickson Dr. Joe Louis Simmons

The O bituary..................................................................................... Organist (Read Silently)

The Musical Selection .......................................................................... TLBC

The E u lo gy............................................. Reverend James C. Kendrick, Sr.

The R ecessional.....................................................................................TLBC

The Interment

Walker Memorial Park Augusta, Georgia

- THE REPAST Transforming Lives Bible Church
Fellowship Hall 2439 Peach Orchard Road (Pleasejoin us immediatelyfollowing the Intermentfor fellowship)