July29
The Memorial Service for Ms. Willie B. Merritt of Chicago, Illinois, will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of West's Mortuary, 731 N Lee Street, Americus, Georgia. Ms. Willie B. Merritt was born on October 11, 1934 in Marion County, Georgia. She was the third child of the late George and Ida B. Merritt. Willie B., as she was affectionately called, was baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church at an early age. She graduated from Staley High School in 1954. At the tender age of eighteen, Willie B. made the bold decision to move to Chicago, Illinois to find gainful employment and pursue a better life for herself and her family back in Georgia.
Willie B. was employed as a domestic worker until she secured a lucrative position with Mason-Barron Laboratories as a Lab Tech. She remained with this company for more than twenty years until her retirement in the mid-nineties. Willie B. devoted her life to providing love and support to her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. She gave generously of herself and of her means to help others, even if it meant sacrificing her own personal needs.
Willie B. transitioned into eternal rest on July 29, 2018 at the Symphony 87 Nursing Home in Chicago, Illinois. She is survived by her two brothers: Clyde Merritt of Chicago, Illinois and Malcolm (Janet) King of Americus, Georgia; four sisters: Nadine Wilkerson, Diane (William) Smith, Doris (Charles) Furlow and Sharon King all of Americus, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.