Miss Betty Lane “Duck” Merritt, 82, of Decatur, passed away July 24, 2009 after a brief illness. Born in Greenville, SC on July 2, 1927, she was predeceased by her parents, Nancy Trimmier and William Lane Merritt and her brother, William Lloyd Merritt. Betty loved and was loved by her surviving relatives, including her nieces and nephews, Joseph Lane Merritt, Walterboro, SC, Nancy Anne Bishop, Anderson, SC, Charles Robert Merritt, Anderson, SC, Pamela M. Rogers, Rock Hill, SC; cousins, Art Merritt, Greenville, SC and Joanne W. Newman, Westport, Conn., and her longtime friend and Wesleyan College roommate Nina Bishop Andrews, Decatur, GA. After graduation, Betty pioneered the careers of women in radio and television at WATL and WAGA. She was a member of the American Federation of TV and Radio Artists, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the International Association of Women in Radio and TV. She coordinated public relations between radio/TV and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She also worked in public relations for the Georgia Medical Association and was associated for several years with Thibadeau Realty. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Tuesday, July 28th at A. S. Turner & Sons. Interment will be at the Kingsley Lake Baptist Church Cemetery, Starke, FL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Rd., Macon, GA 31210. Online condolences can be sent to www.asturner.com. A. S. Turner & Sons (404) 292-1551
