Shirley A. Merrick

Shirley Merrick, a devoted wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024, at the age of 86. Known for her love of family and kind heart, Shirley brought warmth and joy to all who knew her.

Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Shirley graduated from Tate High School before dedicating herself to her family and home. As the wife of an Air Force serviceman, Shirley embraced the adventure of military life, living in numerous locations around the world before settling in Warner Robins, Georgia, in 1969.

Shirley worked as a secretary for A1A Fence Company for 15 years, balancing her professional role with her responsibilities as a homemaker. Once her children were grown, Shirley discovered her love of travel, embarking on 78 cruises and creating countless memories along the way.

She enjoyed crocheting and crafting beautiful pieces for friends and loved ones. Shirley will be remembered for her loving, caring, and forgiving nature, as well as her generous heart. She was a wonderful mother and friend, who took exceptional care of her family and cherished the connections she made with others.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jay Merrick; son, Gary Palfrey; parents, Willie and Agnes Jordan, one brother and sister.

Her memory will forever be treasured by her sons, Richard Palfrey (Linda Neville) of Bonaire and Phillip Palfrey (Exie) of Acworth; grandchildren, Matthew Palfrey, Kelley Palfrey, Jason Palfrey and Ann Marie Mays; and great grandchildren, Taylor Palfrey, Tyler Palfrey, Jordyn Bostian, Holden Mays, Jasper Mays, and Niki Palfrey, and sister Faye Hays.

Visitation with Shirley’s family will be Friday, December 6, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. The funeral service celebrating her life will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Shirley will be laid to rest in a private family burial in Parkway Memorial Gardens. 

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Shirley Merrick to The Assembly at Warner Robins at www.theassemblyga.org. 

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.