Merle

Ross

Lily Merle Pitts Ross, 104, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025. Born on July 25, 1920, in Mitchell County, Georgia. She was a beloved mother and grandmother, whose life was marked by deep faith, service, and devotion to her family and community.

A devoted member and the oldest living member of Gatlin Creek Baptist Church, Merle was also a charter member of the congregation and served as an Archbold Auxiliary Volunteer. Her strong spiritual foundation and commitment to service were evident throughout her life.

She was a devoted homemaker throughout her life, dedicating her time to raising her family and supporting her church and community.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ernest C. Ross on November 10, 1984, her son, Larry Ross, as well as her parents, Arthur Granville Pitts and Bertha Hayes Pitts, and brothers, Marvin Pitts, Lamar Pitts, and Harold Pitts.

She is survived by her loving children: Barbara Ross Reynolds of Tampa, FL, William Marvin Ross New Orleans, LA, Sue Ellen Hinklin Thomasville, GA, Judi Kay Reynolds (Dallas) Knoxville, TN, and Dr. James Arthur Ross Roan Mountain, TN, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren, and a sister, Margie Kirkland.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday - June 14th, 2025 at Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home, officiated by Steve Wooten and her nephew Ron Ross. She will be laid to rest at Oakview Cemetery in Camilla, Georgia. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 am – 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children's Home.