Virginia "Jenny" Merritt

Virginia "Jenny" Rachels Merritt was called home by her heavenly Father on September 9, 2017 after a life spanning 83 years. Jenny was born in Jefferson County, Georgia October 3, 1933 to Zade and Latha Cox Rachels. Jenny was one of 12 children, and one of the 8 to reach adulthood. She moved to Macon, after her Mother died in 1949, where she lived with her older sister, Alma R. Walker, until she married the love of her life John W. Merritt in 1951. They were happily married until John's death in 1997. Her great passions were service to the Lord, her soulmate John, her family, and sewing. Jenny was a charter member of Shurlington Baptist Church, in Macon, and served in various capacities during the life of the church. She became well-known in Baptist circles as a gifted teacher, a dynamic leader in the W.M.U., a pioneer in the ministry to Senior Citizens, as well as a devoted supporter of Camp Pinnacle. Jenny served for years on the Executive Board of Ga. WMU as 6A Divisional Vice President, and Central Region Consultant. She also served as the associational WMU Director for the Macon Association and as the Senior Adult Director. Teaching the T.E.L. Sunday School Class at Shurlington Baptist for years was a labor of love for Jenny. She was not just their teacher, but a loving friend to her class members. One of the great experiences in her life was a mission trip to France. Many young girls were led to the Lord through her work with the G.A.'s for 23 years. Jenny was honored to have been one of the first women nominated for Vice President of the GA. Baptist Convention at a time when the dedication of women to the work of the denomination was just being acknowledged. Jenny also served her community as a poll worker, and manager for 35 years in the East Macon 5 precinct. She further served as a substitute teacher at Walter P. Jones Elementary School. She once described herself as a "people person." Her love for the young and old alike was well known. Her family held a prominent place in her life. She is survived by daughter, Gail M. Travillian, and son-in-law, Carl, of Forsyth; son, Billy Merritt, of Jasper County; and daughter Julie M. Berry, and son-in-law, Ross, of Valdosta, Ga. She also leaves behind 6 granddaughters: Sherry Virginia Neal and husband, Dan Wright, of Atlanta; Emily Merritt Duke and husband, Nick, of Centerville, Ohio; Ashley Gail Simeone and husband, Dominick, also of Centerville, Ohio; Alyson Latha Berry of Orlando, Florida; Rachel McKlees Berry of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and Symantha Ross Berry of Jacksonville, Florida. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Latha and Buddy Wright, Helen and Caroline Duke, and Dom and Penny Simeone. Surviving siblings are Ellie Chambers of Monroe, Ga.; Glenda Bond of Forsyth, Ga.; and Virlon Rachels and wife, Dot, of Meansville, Ga. Nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews as well as great-great-nieces and nephews are among the family surviving. Many of these have been recipients of her sewing talent through the years, as she made countless bridal gowns, bridesmaids' dresses, baby clothes, doll clothes, quilts, and various other hand-sewn items. Her dignity and grace were an inspiration to those who knew her. Her legacy of service to, and love for others is cherished by her family. The family especially thanks Shara Mundy for her devoted, loving care of Jenny during recent years. Services will be conducted by Dr. Darrell Watson and Reverend Frank Broome. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 14, 2017, at 2:00 PM, at the First Baptist Church in Forsyth, GA. The family will greet friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the service at Macon Memorial Park in Macon, GA. Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made to Camp Pinnacle, 6405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, 765 Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.