S unrise N ovember 9 ,1 9 1 6

S unset J une 7, 2011

"I havefought a goodfight, I havefinished my course, I have kept thefaith . . . "
II T imothy 4:7
Tuesday, June 14, 2011 11:00 A.M.
GALILEE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
931 Cedar Street Augusta, Georgia
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Reverend Dr. Oscar E. Wells . . . Officiating . . .

WILLIE MAE HICKSON MERRITT, the eighth of fourteen children,
was born to John Wesley and Parcillian Cummings Hickson, on November 9,1916 in Dunbarton, South Carolina. On June 7, 2011, God called her home to her reward.
Willie Mae began her work on the battlefield for Christ at the age of ten, when she became a member of Fair Branch Baptist Church in Williston, South Carolina. She was baptized by her grandfather, Reverend Julius Stevens. After moving to Augusta, Georgia in 1934, she joined the Hale Street Baptist Church. In 1946, she found her church home and moved her membership to Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, where Reverend George C. Williams was the pastor. Under the pastorage of Reverend Dr. Oscar E. Wells, Willie Mae faithfully served in many leadership capacities at Galilee: Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, President of the Senior Choir, and Chairperson of the Hospitality Ministry. She was a member of the Golden Agers Ministry, Missionary Circle, Sanctuary Choir, Senior Choir, and the Deaconess Ministry. During her sixty-five years at Galilee, she served as committee Chairperson for numerous programs and events. She was received many awards, certificates, and plaques for her loyal dedication to the church family. On May 1, 2011, she was honored during a special ceremony, as the oldest active member of the church; she was named, "Mother of the Church". She remained actively involved in the church throughout her life. She maintained her independence by being able to drive and participate in social gatherings and programs at the church.
In 1935, God saw the need for Willie Mae to have a life companion. She was united in marriage to Willie "Bo" Merritt. God blessed them with a daughter, Marjorie Delores.
Willie Mae was educated at the Immaculate Conception Academy in Augusta, Georgia. She was employed as a culinary specialist at Oliver General Hospital and Eisenhower Hospital at Ft. Gordon. During her employment, she received numerous recognition awards, and a 25 Year Outstanding Service Award.

Reverend Dr. Oscar E. Wells, Presiding Reverend James Kendrick, Officiating
Musical Prelude...................................................................... Jay Burks
Processional........................ ........"Hold To God's Unchanging Hand"
Musical Selection...........................................Galilee Sanctuary Choir "Lord, Help Me To Hold Out"
Scriptures Old Testament.......................................Reverend Ronnie Strong Psalm 23 New Testament.........................................Minister Douglas Hart John 14:1-4
Prayer of Consolation.........................................Reverend J. L. Stokes
Musical Tribute............................................... Galilee Sanctuary Choir "Precious Lord"
Reflections (Limit 2 Minutes, Please)..............Deacon James Brooks Dr. LeJune Hickson
Dr. Joe Louis Simmons Representative Charles Brown
Obituary.............................................................................Read Silently
Acknowledgements............................................Mrs. Geneva Stallings
S o lo ..........................................................................................Jay Burks "Center o fMy Joy"
Eulogy...................................................... Reverend Dr. Oscar E. Wells
Recessional.............................................................."Going Up Yonder"
Interment...........................................................Walker Memorial Park
^ e v /v.' J j
-REPASTGalilee Missionary Baptist Church
GC Williams Fellowship Hall

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 you have shown,
But now it's time I traveled 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 me and I will come. Tho' you can't see or touch me, I'll be near,
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone, I 'll greet you with a smile and say, "WELCOME HOME!"

Marc Merritt Simmons Cyrus Ellison
James Stallings, III Darryl Hickson Derrick Hickson Tramaine Lewis Gykema Harris
Board of Trustees, Board ol Deacons and Deaconess Ministry of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Usher's Ministry

1here are many things in life That we cannot understand. But we must trust God'sjudgment And be guided by His hand. And all who have God's blessing Can rest safely in His care, For He promises safe passage On the wings o ffaith and prayer.
- H elen S teiner R ice -

The family wishes t< x

ks and appreciation

to each of you for every act of love and kindness. You have been a

continuous source of comfort. May God continue to bless each of

you.

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