Elaine Merritt

Elaine Merritt, 74, of Evans, GA, went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2024, at Piedmont Hospital, with her family by her side. She fought bravely against multiple health challenges, but never lost her faith, joy, or love for others. She was a wonderful Mom, Meemee, Sister, Aunt, and Friend who touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and humor. Elaine was born on September 20, 1949, in Hephzibah, GA, and graduated from Butler High School in 1967. She married Alan Merritt on June 14, 1969, and they had one daughter, Kellie. They later divorced in 1994. She had a passion for making people look and feel their best and worked as a hairdresser for over two decades. She also held various other jobs, such as a homemaker, a teaching assistant, a cashier, and a florist, always showing her friendliness, helpfulness, and hard work. Elaine was a devoted Christian who loved Jesus with all her heart. She was instrumental in founding Fleming Christian Church, where she served as the pianist, organist, and kids choir director for many years. She had a beautiful soprano voice and enjoyed singing and playing old hymns. She later joined Westside Christian Church and watched Abilene Baptist service every week. Elaine cherished her family and friends, especially her granddaughter Kaylee, who was the light of her life. She had a zest for life and loved many things, such as yellow roses, country cooking, chocolate ice cream, M&Ms, Coca Cola, Hunting Island, SC, Gatlinburg, TN, motorcycle rides, hummingbirds, Christmas, playing the piano, fishing, working puzzles, dogs, and sitting outside in her swing in the morning listening to the birds while sipping coffee. She was a generous and loving person who always tried to protect and take care of everyone around her. She was a second Mom to all of Kellie’s friends growing up and a Meemee to most who knew her. Elaine was preceded in death by her birth parents, her adopted parents Lonny and Ona Mae Kersey, her brother Larry Kersey, her sister June Ivey, many close friends, and her beloved Chihuahua, Mr. Buggy. She is survived by her loving sister Barbara (Charles) James of Lyons, GA, her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Kellie and Pat Gleason and her adored granddaughter, Kaylee Gleason, of Evans, GA, her dearest friends, Alan and Sharon Merritt of North Augusta, SC, and Jane Williams of Dearing, GA, nephews Kevin James and Alan James and nieces Donna (Scott) Lively, Sheree Johnson, and Donna Ivey, and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. A Memorial Service to celebrate Elaine’s life will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Fairhaven Funeral Home (formerly McNeill) at 3507 Wrightsboro Rd in Augusta, GA. Visitation will follow the service. In accordance with her wishes, Elaine was cremated, and her ashes will be scattered on the beach in her favorite place, Hunting Island, SC, where she spent many happy family vacations. She did not want a viewing because she wanted us all to remember her full of life, not death. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Augusta, GA, or the American Cancer Society.