Nellie Ruth Rolling Merritt

Nellie Ruth Rolling Merritt was born on February 14, 1945, to the late Mr. Tommie Roy and Mrs. Ruby Wallace Rolling. Nellie was the second child of eight siblings in the Rolling family.

Nellie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Antioch Baptist Church in Bremen, Georgia. She graduated from Haralson County Consolidated School, Class of 1961 in Waco, Georgia. As a growing young lady, Nellie was known by her family as loving, caring, smart, a caregiver and a hard worker.

Nellie attended Fort Valley State College in Fort Valley, GA where she obtained her degree as a Licensed Practitioner in Nursing. She loved nursing and dedicated over 40 plus years of supreme service to her profession. She worked full time at Higgins General and Allen Memorial Nursing Home, in Bremen, Georgia for several years after college. In 1969, Nellie decided to embark upon a new journey, in which she began her career at the Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. She worked on the Med Surg floor. She retired in 2005 with 36 years of service. She was highly regarded by her colleagues.

After moving to Louisville, she met the love of her life, Mr. Ronald Edward Merritt, in which they were united in holy matrimony on August 4, 1973. They enjoyed over 30 years of marriage and to this union they have two beautiful daughters, Detra and Hope. Nellie’s greatest past times were her love for reading novels, cooking, listening to gospel music, entertaining her grandchildren, dancing, bowling and softball for the Jewish Hospital leagues. Her favorite items to cook were cakes, cornbread dressing and lasagna. She was also a member of the “Orchidette Social Club”.

While in Louisville, she joined Bethel Baptist Church where she continued to worship and praise God. After joining Bethel, she served as a mother in the Missionary Society. She was always willing to help those at her workplace and in her community. She was a pillar to those around her. After about 56 years in Louisville, Kentucky, Nellie decided to move back home to Georgia. She moved to Carrollton to be near her siblings. She spent almost every day with her sister, Robin, since she has been back home.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Merritt, on March 7, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Tommie and Ruby Rolling, three sisters, Baby Janice Rolling, Nancy Rolling Dobbs, Murlene (Charles) Penson, father and mother-in-law, Mr. Overton Merritt and Mrs. Beatrice Merritt.

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Nellie entered into eternal rest. To cherish her legacy, Nellie leaves her daughters: Detra Crook, Radcliff, KY and Hope King, Jeffersonville, IN. Her grandchildren: Jordan (Joshua) Stinnette, Louisville, KY, Cory Merritt, Razarri Clay, Makayla Merritt, all of Jeffersonville, IN; and her great grandchildren: Elias Stinnette and Soleil Merritt, both of Louisville, KY.

“Nellie Ruth” as she is so fondly known, loved and treasured by her siblings, she leaves her sister, Robin (Frank Jr.) Holloman, Carrollton, GA; Tommy Roy Jr. (Patsy A.) Rollings, Douglasville, GA; Otis (Patsy B.) Rolling, Mableton, GA; McEachern Mack Rolling, Bremen, GA. Nellie also leaves: one brother-in-law, Bobby Dobbs, Villa Rica, GA; four sisters-in-law: Jean (Jessie) Patton, Nashville, TN, Elaine (George) Battle-Montfort, Atlanta, GA; Valeria Smith, Nashville, TN, and Lynn Woodruff, Nashville, TN., also a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. She will always be remembered for her healing hands, a willingness to help others and her heart that loved. Her sweet spirit and her devotion to her family will truly be missed.

The Homegoing Celebration of Life for Nellie Ruth Merritt will be conducted on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Noon at the Antioch Baptist Church, 715 Tallapoosa Street, Bremen, Georgia, with Reverend DeNorris Brinkley officiating and Reverend Jimmie Chapman, Jr. giving the Eulogy.

The viewing and visitation with family will be held at Antioch Baptist Church on Saturday, June 20, 2026, prior to the service beginning at 11:00 AM.

Acknowledgements

The family of Mother Nellie Ruth Merritt extends our deepest gratitude to all the family members and friends who stood beside us during this difficult time. Your phone calls, visits, meals, prayers, participation in her homegoing service and every act of kindness have strengthened our hearts more than words can express. We offer a special thankyou to our Pastor, Reverend Jimmie Chapman and the Antioch Baptist Church Family for surrounding us with love, compassion, and unwavering support. Your presence has truly been a blessing to our family. The family sends a special recognition to her former church family, Bethel Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated team of doctors who provided exceptional care to our loved one: Dr. Brian J. Paradowski (Primary Care) of U of L Medical Health, Louisville, KY., Dr. Bedri Yusuf (Internal Medicine) of Tanner Medical Center, and Dr. Charlie Rouse (Cardiologist), of West Georgia Cardiology. Also, during her transition home, we thank Debra Thomas, LMSW, (Medical Social Worker) and Daniel Tyson (Hospice Nurse) of Tanner Hospice Care. Your tenderness and professionalism will always be remembered.

“Nellie Ruth” — a pillar of strength, a woman of deep faith, and a true jewel to our family — will be dearly missed. Her legacy of love, service, and devotion will continue to shine through each of us.

As we celebrate her homegoing, we rest in the promise of Scripture: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5

Just as she lived with grace, she went home with peace — catching that “morning train” to be with the Lord she loved so dearly. Her journey continues into God’s embrace, and her light lives on through precious memories.

~With Love from Our Family~ 

The Merritt and Rolling Family

Professional Services Entrusted To Hutcheson’s Memorial Chapel & Crematory, 71 Park Heights Drive, Buchanan, Georgia 30113