Ella Mae Wilson Merritt, age 100, of Buford, GA passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Brookside Assisted Living where she has resided for the past fifteen years. She was preceded in death by her husband of thirty years, Thomas R. Merritt; parents, James Guy Wilson and Minnie Thornton Wilson; cousins, Willie Mae Orr and Luvina Stillwell; nephew, Steve Merritt. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James Guy Wilson, Jr. and Yvonne Wilson of Sautee, GA; nieces, Marilyn Merritt of Buford, GA, and Joye Merritt of Buford, GA; nephews, James Andrew Wilson of Hollywood, FL, and Shawn Stillwell of Mobile, AL; great nephews, James Wilson and Justin Wilson; great nieces, Lacey Wilson, Michael Merritt and Mary Margaret Merritt; several cousins. Ella Mae was born February 17, 1914, in Hall County, GA. She grew up in Buford, GA and graduated from Buford High School in 1933. She was a member of Buford First United Methodist Church since 1926 and was an active member for over seventy-five years. She was a member of the United Methodist Women (Carrie Stringer Circle), Willing Workers/Adult Sunday School class, Eastern Star and Buford Women's Club. Ella Mae was an avid bridge player and was a member of several bridge clubs. Ella Mae enjoyed traveling all around the United States, Canada, Israel, Greece, England, Switzerland and other parts of Europe. Not only did Ella Mae get a wonderful party to spend on her 100th birthday, but she was also surprised with a letter from Buford City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Geye Hamby, delivered by Joy Davis, assistant superintendent. Buford Commissioners Phillip Beard, Chris Burge and Michael Smith signed a proclamation for Ella Mae. It is ended by saying, "Now therefore, be it proclaimed, by the City Commission of Buford, Georgia that February 17, 2014 be proclaimed as ELLA MAE MERRITT DAY."
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Rev. DeDe Leetch officiating. Interment will follow at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens, Buford, GA. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, January 9, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan, Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133
