Dorothy May Merry

Dorothy May Becker Merry, 74, of Newnan, GA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving daughters on June 6, 2011. Born April 24, 1937 in Queens, NY, to Charles and Helen Becker, Ms. Merry was the eldest of three daughters. She spent her youth and early adult life in New York City, amidst a large extended family. She spent many happy weeks with her paternal grandparents, Charles and Sophie Becker, in Brooklyn, and adoring Aunt Mary and Uncle Hank Dodd, in FL. She fell in love with and married James V. Merry in 1956, and they had three daughters, Tracy, Elizabeth, and Carolyn. They moved from The Bronx, NY to Wall, NJ, in 1971. An accomplished self-taught pianist, she loved the 3 B's and the Fab Four. She was also a dancer and an exercise instructor. An expert solver of crossword and acrostic word puzzles, she often worked on several at once. She delighted her family with her amazing culinary skills. Once all her children were in school, she attended college and competed on Brookdale's tennis team in her 40's along with her daughter, Elizabeth. There were several newspaper articles written about the mother/daughter teammates. She eventually became a lab technician at a NJ hospital and later entered the corporate world. She had long tenures at Warner-Lambert and Johnson & Johnson in their quality control departments. In 1997, after retirement, she moved to Columbus, GA, where she regularly indulged in swimming and walks at Cooper Creek Park. She was a rabid fan of the Atlanta Braves, and especially loved future HOF’er Chipper Jones, who was also born on April 24th. She moved to Newnan in 2006, and enjoyed being closer to Turner Field and the Atlanta Aquarium. She is predeceased by her parents and youngest sister, Kathy. She is survived by her daughters and their spouses; Tracy and Hartson Poland, Elizabeth Merry and Aaron Standish, Carolyn and Wilhelm Hoeckh; her three human grandchildren, James, Josh, and Jessica Poland, whom she loved to spoil, and numerous furry granddoggies, who were also the recipients of her love and generosity. She will also be missed by her sister Mary Deal, three nephews; Anthony, Jody, and Jason Vetrano and their families; and many other friends and relatives too numerous to list here. The family would like to thank Vistacare Hospice of Newnan and especially Nurse Jimmy, whose expertise, compassion and love went beyond any mere job description. The staff of The Villas at Newnan Crossing also have our gratitude. Mom was very happy living in this beautiful place. Timmy and Andie in particular made her feel very special and like one of the family. There will be no service, as per Ms. Merry's request. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to donate in her name to your local American Cancer Society or animal shelter. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Dorothy May Merry

April 24, 1937 - June 6, 2011