Kay Merritt

Ella Katherine

Jarvis Merritt

Fairhope, AL

Ella K. Merritt, 68, of Fairhope, Alabama, formerly of Brandon, MS, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at her home after a courageous fight with cancer. Kay graduated from Prentiss High School and attended Hinds Community College, where she was elected Most Beautiful. She also attended Mississippi College.

Kay was a wonderful mother, devoted wife, spectacular grandmother and forever friend. A lady of many talents, she enjoyed painting and pottery, and was co-owner of a wedding planning and catering business. She also volunteered her time and talents to the community throughout the years. While living in Brandon, she worked in many capacities at Brandon High School. Through her work at the school, serving as a Youth Sunday School teacher and member of the Youth council of First Baptist Church, Kay was an inspiration and influence on the youth of Brandon. She was active in PEO (Philanthropical Educational Organization) in Florida, Mississippi & Alabama, where she held several offices. She served on the Capital Campaign Committee at FBC, Fairhope, AL. She always had a smile on her face and never met a stranger. She loved cooking meals for others, planning parties, shopping for bargains, traveling and everything about her southern heritage.

She is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Merritt of 48 years and their four children; K'Anne McGaughy (Robby) of Brandon, MS, Les Merritt (Mitsy) of Brandon, MS, Kristy Merritt of Charlotte, NC and Karol Hollis (Mark) of Ft. Mill, SC., one sister, Mary Parker Briggs of Madison, MS, one brother, Lester Jarvis, Jr. (Lynda) of Madison, GA and eight grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her father, Lester G. Jarvis, Sr, mother Myrrah Ella Moody Jarvis, one sister Martha Sue Jarvis and one niece, Kim Parker.

Memorial service will be at FBC Fairhope, AL on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 10 am. Visitation is at FBC Brandon, 309 South College Street, Brandon, MS on Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 9-11am. Funeral begins at 11 am. Burial will follow at Brandon Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the "Future Worth the Sacrifice" building fund at First Baptist Church, Fairhope, Alabama.

Please visit www.ottandleefuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.