Helen Hunkapiller Merritt

Mrs. Helen Louise Hunkapiller Merritt, age 74, of Willacoochee, Ga. passed away at her home on Sunday, August 25, 2019, following an extended illness.

A native of Prentiss County, Miss., Mrs. Merritt was born June l7, l945, daughter of the late Troy and Ovaleen Walley Hunkapiller. She had made her home in Willacoochee for most of her life and when she was younger, enjoyed playing golf with her brothers. Before retiring, she worked for many years as a receptionist for Dr. W. C. Sams office in Ocilla, Ga.. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Willacoochee, Ga. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie Merritt and two sisters, Edith Scott and Gloria Steverson.

Survivors include:

2 Daughters:  Debra Merritt of Willacoochee, Ga.

                      Rhonda Hall of Willacoochee, Ga.

2 Brothers:  Kenneth Hunkapiller and wife, Joyce of Willacoochee, Ga.

                   Daniel Hunkapiller and wife, Margie of Willacoochee, Ga.

Sister:  Betty Walker of Willacoochee, Ga.

4 Grandchildren:  Brandon Hall, Ryan Curtis, Kayla Patel and Brooke Forsythe and husband, Johnathan

4 Great-Grandchildren:  Layton, Hanli, Adler and Bridger Forsythe

Several nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Merritt were held, Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Willacoochee First Baptist Church with Rev. Joseph Lee and Rev. Russell Joiner officiating. Special musical selections were “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven With You” rendered by Jason Hunkapiller with Meagan Joiner accompanying at the piano and “Amazing Grace” by the attending congregation with Bonnie Kunberger at the piano. Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was by Bonnie Kunberger pianist.  The internment followed in the Willacoochee City Cemetery. 

Serving as active pallbearers were: Brandon Hall, Brook Forsythe, Ryan Curtis, Steve Scott, Benny Hall and Johnathan Forsythe.

Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.