Erna Stilson

Erna “Mike” Ingeborg Stilson, 99, of Macon, Georgia, formerly of Columbus, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Keith Goodlett officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907. Interment will follow the service at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Rd., Columbus, GA 31907. 

“Mike” was born on September 5, 1926, in Frankfurt, Germany, to the late Max Zoller and Pauline Schulze Zoller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) Guy D. Stilson.

Following her education in Germany, Mike worked as a secretary. She later met and married the love of her life, Guy Stilson. With strength and determination, she moved to the United States with her new husband, became a U.S. citizen, and settled in Columbus, Georgia, where she devoted her life to making a loving home for her family. While most of her years were spent as a homemaker, she also enjoyed several years working outside the home, especially at Sam’s Club and Columbus Bookbinders and Printers.

In her early 30s, Mike became a Christian. She faithfully attended church, studied the Bible, and shared her faith with others. For several years she taught a weekly ladies’ Bible study at a local nursing home. She also enjoyed singing and participated in the church choir whenever she was able. Above all, her deepest desire was to pass on her Christian faith to her children and grandchildren.

Mike was known for her industrious and creative spirit. She loved cooking and baking – especially bread, German stollen, and other desserts – to share with family and friends. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, gardening, painting, and creating artwork. She was always willing to lend a hand wherever there was a need. She loved her husband, children, and grandchildren dearly, and they loved her in return. She sewed her grandchildren’s Halloween costumes, pajamas, and anything else they could imagine.

Survivors include her son, Mark Alan Stilson of Pensacola, FL; her daughter, Margaret “Peggy” Goodlett (Rev. Keith) of Macon, GA; and her grandchildren, Andrew Goodlett, Matthew Goodlett, Rebekah Goodlett, and Nicole Stilson.

In her later years, Mike was thankful to live with one of her children, where she was lovingly cared for. Though dementia touched her final years, she celebrated her 99th birthday in good spirits, surrounded by family. She lived a long and beautiful life and will be deeply missed.

Flowers will be accepted. Those who wish to honor her memory may make contributions to Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church, 132 Pitts Chapel Road, Macon, GA 31217; Riverside United Methodist Church, 735 Pierce Ave., Macon, GA 31204; or Brightmoor Hospice, 115 Arkwright Landing, Macon, GA 31210.