Mary Helen Merriss

Mary Helen was born in Birmingham, Alabama, the eldest child of Margaret Mary and Joseph Shaffer. Helen grew up in Pratt City, AL with her siblings, Joe (Ssally), Rozeanne Shaffer Cooley (Mike)and Travis. She graduated from John Carroll High School in 1959.Helen married Thomas Merriss in 1960 and had five children - Peggy Merriss, Ann Merriss Pavlik, Michael Merrriss, (Jennifer), Brian Merriss, (Gretchen), and Stefanie Merriss Porter. She had four grandchildren - Eric Merriss, Joshua Merriss, Matthew Merriss and Joshua Cruthirds. She also had several beloved nieces and nephews.Helen loved music, travel, spending time with her family and laughter. She was never particularly fond of cooking or housework.Helen worked as an Insurance Underwriter and was active in the Insurance Women of Columbus and served as President in 1978. Additionally, she was the Licensing Agent for Muscogee County and taught Underwriting classes for licensure at Columbus State University.Helen had a beautiful alto voice and would pinch hit at soprano when needed. She was a long time member of the choir at both St. Anne's and Holy Family Catholic churches in Columbus.She was an enthusiastic supporter of her children's activities. She never missed a sporting event, Scout meeting, marching band competition, theater production or piano recital.Helen had a wonderful sense of humor that she passed on to all her children. The most wonderful thing about her is that she never lost her laugh or beautiful smile.Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00p.m. Sunday, November 16th, at A.S. Turner and Sons in Decatur. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 17th at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur at 2:00 p.m.


Funeral Home:
A.S. Turner
2773 N. Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033