Annette Livsey Merritt Obituary (1924 - 2021)

Geneva Annette Livsey Merritt of Snellville, passed away Monday, December 20, 2021 at the age of 97. She was born in Gwinnett County (Centerville), GA to Joe Tom and Rubie Livsey on September 28, 1924. The family moved to DeKalb Co. when Annette was a young child and that is where she lived until the last eight years of her life. At that time she moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, Star and Bill Stegall of Snellville. Growing up on a farm, she enjoyed the outdoors and playing with her five siblings. In high school she was a member of the girls basketball team and various other clubs and organizations. Annette earned the honor of valedictorian from Clarkston High School, class of 1941. After graduation , she began working and in 1943 she found employment at the Colonial Stores grocery chain in Decatur, GA where she met the love of her life, Fred Merritt. They met in early 1943 and were married on October 16, 1943. In the mid 40's they were blessed with three daughters and then in 1960 and 1961, along came a son and one more daughter. After retiring from Colonial Stores, she began keeping babies, toddlers and young children in her home. For the next thirty years she kept approximately forty children, many of whom she stayed in contact with until her death. Her hobbies included reading, writing poetry and even publishing a book of poetry, sewing, and various arts and crafts. Over the years she made many quilts, throws, cloth books, and other items which are now wonderful treasures for her family members. She was raised in the Methodist Church in Clarkston, GA. After her marriage, she started attending Bethel Baptist Church in Stone Mountain and in 1951 she joined that family of believers. She was very active in many areas of the church including teaching the young adult Sunday School Class and organizing many outings for this group. She held many other positions in the church over the years including heading up the cemetery fund. She remained a member of Bethel Baptist Church until her death. At that time she became a member of the Church Triumphant. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Fred "Dude" Merritt in 2006; her son, Fred Mark Merritt in 1991; and her grandson, William Todd Stegall in 2021; her parents and five siblings. She is survived by her four daughters, Mrs. Star (Bill) Stegall of Snellville, Ms. Bonnie Durham of Conyers, Mrs. Becky (Bill) West of Snellville, Ms. Robin Merritt of Decatur; six grandchildren, Amy (Trey) Golden, Greg West, Kelly (Jonathan) Smith, Andy (Shaundra) Durham, Jeffery (Rachel) Durham, Clay (Kate) West; great grandchildren include Emma (Martin) Gravely, Jacob Golden, Morgan Durham, Madison Durham, Noah West, Gavin West, and Oliver West; five sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A visitation will be held from 4-7pm Tuesday, December 28, at Henry Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held 1 o'clock, Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Bethel Baptist Church, Stone Mountain, with the remains placed in state at 12 noon. Dr. Jim Martin will officiate. The interment will follow at Melwood Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4-7pm Tuesday, December 28, at Henry Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her name to Bethel Community Cemetery Association (BCCA) c/o Connie McWilliams, 207 Oxford Dr., Oxford, GA 30054, or any charity of your choice.