Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Ann Merle Thagard Scholder, known as Merle, passed away on August 9, 2026, in Newnan, Georgia, at the age of 95. She was surrounded by family and friends. Born on July 23, 1931, in Brantley, Alabama, Merle grew up rooted in small-town Alabama charm, graduating from Brantley High School. As she would often say, her father raised her with a strong belief in education. She pursued a social work degree at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Troy State University, and after her children left home, at Auburn University at Montgomery. She also earned her real estate license. While attending night classes, she met and married Jack Scholder, with whom she went on to raise their four children in Montgomery, AL. Her professional journey included work as a computer tab operator with the State of Alabama government, a career in residential real estate, and later as a devoted elder care provider—first to her own mother in Montgomery, and later to several ladies in the Atlanta, Georgia area. A committed Christian throughout her life, Merle’s faith was her guiding compass. She was a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Montgomery. More recently, she was an active member of Newnan Presbyterian Church, Georgia, and a dedicated member of their Hannah Fellowship Sunday School class. Beyond her children and…
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