Merle Thagard Scholder

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 grandchildren, faith, and work, Merle found profound joy in God's creation. She had a passion for cultivating flowers and plants wherever she lived and proudly earned her Master Gardener designation-a testament to her green thumb and lifelong love of learning. Merle is survived by her four children: Pamela Ellen, Michael Scholder (Maryse), Colleen Musselman (John), and Brad Scholder (Sharon); her grandchildren: Wesley Vornbrock and Amelia Vornbrock; a sister, Lillian Manning of Nashville, TN; as well as numerous (grand) nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 14 at 1pm at Newnan Presbyterian Church followed by a reception in their Barrow Fellowship Hall. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial gifts in her name be made to one of the following: The Cornerstone Garden, Newnan Presbyterian Church, 38 Greenville St., Newnan, GA 30263; or the Coweta Master Gardener program, UGA Extension Coweta County, 255 Pine Road, Newnan, GA 30263. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Merle Thagard Scholder

July 23, 1931 - August 8, 2026