Merrill LeBlanc Cornay

Mrs. Merrill LeBlanc Cornay
Merrill Marie Elizabeth LeBlanc Cornay, 90, of Newnan, GA, died peacefully at home on May 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born April 29, 1935, in Golden Meadow, LA, to the late Dr. Louis Pierre LeBlanc, Sr., and Hattie Thibodaux LeBlanc, she was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ray Joseph Cornay, Jr., her brother Dr. Louis Pierre LeBlanc, Jr. and her daughter-in-law Kathy Joan Cornay (Frank S. Cornay). Merrill is survived by her five sons (and their wives): Ray J. Cornay, III (Sherry), Frederick J. Cornay (Julie), Frank S. Cornay (Robin), Robert L. Cornay (Melissa), and H. Michael Cornay (Beth); nine grandchildren and their spouses; ten great-grandchildren; and countless loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends she held dear.
Raised on Bayou Lafourche with summers spent on Grand Isle, Merrill graduated from the Southwestern Louisiana Institute where she met her handsome future husband while earning a degree in Education. Five children later, the young family moved to Newnan, GA, in 1966, quickly integrating into the community. A devout member of St. George Catholic Church for six decades, Merrill volunteered her time and talents playing the organ, singing in the choir, and serving as a Cub Scout den mother.
Merrill enjoyed cooking, gardening, music, playing cards-especially when winning-and, most importantly, her family. Home was always festively decorated for the current holiday. Chicken spaghetti was her signature dish, playfully pretending to be offended if you didn't go back for seconds. Kind and generous to everyone, always putting others' needs before her own, Merrill's innate nature exemplified what truly matters in life: Seizing every opportunity to celebrate both the big and small moments. A devoted wife, loving mother, the best grandma, the grandest matriarch. This ever joyful soul's legacy of love shall inspire for generations.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 10:30 AM at St. George Catholic Church, 771 Roscoe Rd, Newnan, GA 30263, with private interment to follow. The family will receive attendees beginning at 10:00 AM in the church hall. Guests are invited to a reception celebrating Merrill's life held 1:00 PM that afternoon at Lillian Gardens, 83 Greenville Street S, Newnan, GA 30263.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Merrill via https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.
McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580