Claude Merritt

Claude Lisette Merritt (née Seguin) passed away June 16, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. She was proud of her children, a deeply committed member of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, and a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. She loved great food, particularly the cooking of her beloved husband Bill. They both loved good books, great movies, and a good joke.

Claude was born September 29, 1929 in New York City to Paul and Michele (Fleury) Seguin, both originally from Paris. Her parents separated soon after, and a chance encounter with other French-speakers led to Michele accepting an invitation to work at the prestigious French School of Music in Plainfield NJ and live there with her children.

She attended Plainfield High School and studied architecture at Cornell University. There she met Bill, and during her year studying in Switzerland, Bill wrote her a letter every day. After completing their studies, they married March 22,1952, at the Church of the Transfiguration in New York, known as the "Little Church Around the Corner."

Bill's advertising career trajectory meant several moves as the young family grew: their first child, Bill III, was born in New York City in 1955, Michael in Philadelphia in 1957, and in Jackson, Michigan, Tim in 1958, Pete in 1960, and Janine in 1963. The family moved to Tucker in 1965. She proudly served as Cub Scout den mother for her four sons and Girl Scout troop leader for her daughter.

Claude's first job outside the home was as a kindergarten music teacher. She later worked at Honeywell, working her way up to manager of their help-desk. She moved to Bank of America's Mortgage Post-Closing department, working there through retirement and after. She was hired back part-time to train others and write their extensive training manual.

Rock of Ages Lutheran Church was an essential part of Claude's life for nearly 60 years. She organized and contributed to Mother-Daughter banquets there. She actively supported the church's many community service ministries, making sandwiches, and giving time and financial contributions to the church's efforts supporting the needy in the Stone Mountain area.

For many, many years she sang alto in the Sunday choir and played in their handbell choir. She served in Rock of Ages's branch of WELCA (Women's Evangelical Lutheran Church of America), leading groups and attending their regular conventions. She expressed her artistic side by designing and making many banners for their conventions and for the church itself. Into her 90s, she sent birthday and anniversary cards to ROA members every month.

She is survived by her five children; William Fowler Merritt III, Michael John Merritt (daughter-in-law Hilary Wilder, grandson David Merritt, his wife Catherine Churchill, and great-grandchildren William and Grace), Timothy Harlow Merritt (his wife Ellen Gadberry and grandchildren Jack and Will), Peter Jay Merritt, and Janine Claude Merritt Lurie (son-in-law Bryan Lurie, grandchildren Alysse and Mae). Donations in Claude's name may be made to https://www.rockofageschurch.org/donate.html