Ophelia Russell Merrill, age 81, passed peacefully at her home, with family surrounding her, into her Savior’s arms Thursday, January 7, 2021.
Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 12, 2021 , 2:00 pm in Dozier Alabama at Rawls Baptist Church courtyard. Visitation will be at 1:30. COVID restrictions will dictate that social distancing and masks will be required.
Mrs. Merrill's grandsons and nephews, Russ Richardson, Jake Richardson, Joel Merrill, Evan Merrill, Tommy Wright and Charles Taylor will serve as pallbearers.
Mrs. Merrill was born May 12, 1939 in Red Level Alabama and was the oldest child of Charles Teasley Russell and Opal Eiland Russell, both deceased. Her surviving siblings are Lillian Russell, Tracy Russell, Jeanette Stacey, Ray Russell, and Peggy Williamson, all of whom she loved dearly. Though she was small in stature, her heart and spirit were quite the opposite, as she loved fiercely, energetically, and with devotion to her family, friends, and students. Her smile would light up any place she entered and was the first thing people commented on when they met her.
Mrs Merrill graduated from Andalusia High School in 1958, married her sweetheart, affectionately called Tank in 1959 and they started their family in 1960. Her children are Vivian Richardson (Dan), Steve Merrill (Donna), and Sam Merrill (Robbin). All testify to the wonderful mother she was and treasure her legacy. She was SuperMom and homemaker until she decided to continue her education once the children started leaving. She graduated with a degree in early childhood education and then went on to get her Masters in Special Ed. She retired in 2006 and she and Tank were able to travel together and enjoy much-needed rest and recreation.
Among her favorite activities were reading her Bible and sharing the wisdom learned from it with friends and family, working in her flower gardens, reading inspirational books, cooking, canning and freezing, fellowshipping with family, and helping Tank in his pecan orchard or wherever she could lend him a hand. She especially enjoyed her family visiting and made our visits fun and memorable, especially when she was able to convince Tank to go for a boat ride on the lake. It brought her great peace and enjoyment and all of us were well aware of her skill in playing Crazy Eights.
Mrs Merrill adored her grandkids. They are Brooke Rash (Jason), Russ Richardson (Katie), Jennifer Grayson (Ricky), Ashley Robertson (Trey), Jake Richardson (Susan), Joel Merrill (Mary Elizabeth), Sarah Dickson (Corbin) Lia Taylor (Nick), and Evan Merrill. From them come nineteen great grandchildren, upon whom “Granny Ophie” also showered her affection.
All who knew her described her as a very loving, gentle, genuine, open-hearted woman who loved God and boldly proclaimed His praises. Even "Miss Ophelia's most recent caregivers, Mary Bell, Peggy Powell, Joyce Jackson, Tinessa Richardson and Sandra Feltman were able to experience the smile that expressed her love and appreciation when her voice no longer could.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Tiftarea, 618 Central Avenue North, Tifton, GA 31794.