Marguerite Merritt

Marguerite Merritt, 67, was born on August 2, 1958, in Tifton, Georgia. She left this world peacefully on August 18, 2025, at the Tift Regional Medical Center, where she dedicated forty-seven years of her life as a respiratory therapist. Marguerite's profound commitment to her career was a testament to her nurturing spirit and dedication to helping others.

A memorial service to honor Marguerite’s life will be held on August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Tifton First Church of the Nazarene, located at 3024 Tift Ave N, Tifton, GA 31794 with Rev. Ike Branch officiating.

She graduated from Tift County High School in 1976 and pursued an associate degree in respiratory therapy, a field in which she excelled and found great joy with her work family. Her passion for her work was matched only by her love for family and her church.

Marguerite cherished her relationships with her brother, Daniel Merritt; her sisters, Susan and her husband, Tommy Clark, and Debra O'Neal; and her sister-in-law, Teressa Merritt. She often found delight in the company of her best friends, Mary Abell and Jackie Laska, who she affectionately called her sister. Marguerite adored her nieces and nephews, holding a special place in her heart for Heather Gray, Mary Clark, Clayton Merritt, and his wife, Jessica, Scott Merritt and his wife, Misty along with Chad O'Neal, and his wife Lindsey. She also adored her great niece Rowan O'Neal, and great nephews, Ashton Gray, Lawson Merritt, J. T. Merritt and Hank Merritt.

Marguerite was deeply involved in her community and a devoted member of the Tifton First Church of the Nazarene. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she always encouraged everyone around her to know Jesus. Her compassion for others was unparalleled; she was known for having the biggest heart and her relentless spirit to uplift those she encountered.

Her memories are filled with laughter and joy, from loving all the kids at church to embarking on magical trips to Disney World and leisurely beach excursions. Marguerite enjoyed cruises as well, each journey crafted with a sense of adventure and camaraderie that she nurtured through her warm-hearted nature. She was a true sports fan, passionately cheering for the UGA Bulldogs, the Atlanta Falcons, the Atlanta Braves and her home team the Tift County Blue Devils, embodying the spirit of unity and joy that sports can bring. She also liked to read especially her Bible.

Marguerite was preceded in death by her father, James Carroll Merritt, her mother, Betty “Maxine” Q'Quinn Merritt, her two brothers, James Michael Merritt and Ira Clayton Merritt, her niece, Shannon Saylor, and her two nephews, Michael “Bubba” Merritt and Dustin Merritt.

Marguerite Merritt leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unyielding faith, a shining example of how to live fully and fiercely in service to others. Her spirit will continue to inspire family and friends for years to come.