Phyllis Merriman

Phyllis Lucille Merriman passed away peacefully in her home on July 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89.

Born on August 12, 1935 in Williamson, Georgia to William Joshua Callaway and Frances Willie Callaway, Phyllis began a life committed to family. In her youth, she enjoyed life on their family farm with her two sisters, Doris and Eleanor.

In 1954, Phyllis married Gary Wiley Merriman and settled into her forever home in Druid Hills. She would live in their Druid Hills home until her passing.

Phyllis devoted herself to her family, first and foremost. Phyllis and Gary had four sons, Gary, Bill, Steve, and Bob, all raised in their home in Druid Hills. In her later years, she was best known as "Mamma Phyllis" as grandmother to 10 and great-grandmother to 12. Phyllis was also a dedicated member of the Druid Hills community, as well as her church. A caring and doting grandmother, Phyllis hosted countless holidays in her dining room, often preparing enough food for the 30 guests, including her extended family, as well as those without homes at her church.

Even when her vision began to fail her, she found a way to stay busy in the kitchen, baking her famous homemade breads and other sweet treats. It was a rarity for a child, grandchild, or great-grand child to leave her home without one of her delicious baked creations.

While family was always her priority, she was a well-traveled woman in her earlier years and happiest on a dance floor, especially when Golden Oldies were playing. Outside of the home, her passions included tennis and her beloved Atlanta Braves.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband (Gary Wiley Merriman) and survived by her four boys (Gary, Bill, Steve, and Bob), her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A Memorial will be held in the sanctuary at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 30th at 11:00 AM, followed by a private celebration of life for her family members.