Merle Wright Obituary

Merle Eudora Wright, age 91, of Young Harris, Georgia, passed away on May 19, 2025. Born on September 4, 1933, in College Park, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Dan and Ruth Hart.

A devoted servant of the Lord, Merle lived a remarkable 91 years filled with purpose, adventure, and unwavering faith. She was known for her independence, work ethic, and kindness — a woman whose vibrant spirit touched countless lives. She worked for BellSouth for 33 years and later gave her time as a volunteer at Dollywood, always finding ways to serve and connect with others. Merle was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

Her deep faith and bold personality helped lead many hearts to Christ — even those who once doubted. She was never shy about sharing the truth she believed in, and her final message was one of enduring hope: “Trust and obey.”She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faithfulness that will live on through her family and all who knew her.

Merle is preceded in death by her father Dan Hart, mother Ruth Preston; step father Jessie Godby; son Joey Howell; sister Sandra Godby Etris, Elaine Hart and brother Danny Hart, Gene Hart. She leaves behind her children Karl Thorpe, Connie Smith, James Howell, Lisa Rockford; brothers Kenneth Godby, David Hart; sister Norma Lindell, Ann Hart, Angela Smith; along with a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren nieces, nephews and friends.