" A chapter completed. A page turned. A life well lived. A rest well earned."

Mrs. Shellie Mae Merritt was born on December 22, 1953 in Madison, Florida. She was the third child born to the late Sergeant Jim and Julia Fudge White.

Shellie peacefully entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 11:29 p.m. at her home.  She was surrounded by her loving daughters, grandchildren, and husband.

She received her education in the Madison County Public School System.  She was known by many to be "very smart".  Shellie worked in that same school district for more than 20 years. Her smile was warm and contagious.  As a result of her kind spirit and pleasant personality, she was loved by her colleagues and impacted the lives of many students.

She was united in holy matrimony, "twice" to Frank (Nicky) Merritt, for a total of 39 years. Nicky was devoted to Shellie until the end; tenderly and lovingly taking care of her throughout her long hard-fought battle with cancer. They were best friends until the end.

Her Christian life was beautiful.  She was a woman of strong faith.  She loved to read her bible, and looked forward to Sunday Worship Service. She was a dedicated member of Revelation Missionary Baptist Church.

An extremely devoted and very proud mother and grandmother, she was well known for bragging about her daughters and grandkids.  Just as loving as she was, she was also fiercely protective… she could be feisty (you just knew not to mess with one of her daughters or grandkids).

She is preceded in death by her parents and oldest Sister, Rosa Lee King.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories : a very loving and devoted husband , Frank Nicky Merritt; three daughters , Shannon Nelson (Bryon) of San Antonio, TX; Ingrid Brown (Delmar) of Houston, TX; and Candida Akins (Devin) of Madison, FL; a special daughter-in-love, Laysha Gilbert of Valdosta, GA; two loving step-sons, Marcus Watson of Orlando, FL and Byron Merritt of Tallahassee, FL, nine grandkids, Jaylen, Jordan, Landon, Ian, Ivy, Agueleo, Kennedy, Kaylen, Mikayla; special granddaughters, Veronica Merritt, and NyShanti Adams; two sisters, Clara Carter of Winter Haven, FL  and Fannie Avery of Orlando, FL; one brother, Ishmo Brown; a special aunt, Eula Donaldson of Madison, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. II Timothy