Mrs. Inez B. Merritt, age, 99, of Amelia Island, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, March 8, 2023 in her home with family members holding her hand and surrounded by immeasurable love.

Inez was born in Augusta, Georgia on November 15, 1923, the daughter of the late Edna Westbrook Bussey and John Lumpkin Bussey, a cotton broker. She grew up in Greenville with her two brothers, William Westbrook Bussey (Bill) and John Lumpkin Bussey (Jack). On December 4, 1943 at twenty years of age she married the handsome Marion William Merritt of Greenville, South Carolina.

A year later, in 1944, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Furman University where she was recognized as being, “an unusually popular student and for three consecutive years attendant to the May Queen”. Army responsibilities required her husband to leave for additional military preparations for World War II and he was soon shipped to Europe to fight, leaving behind his new bride. Upon returning from the War they made their lives in Greenville, S. C. and welcomed three children into the world: Marion William Merritt Jr., Kathy Elizabeth Merritt (Missy), and Inez Bussey Merritt (Be’). Marion’s employment with the Winn-Dixie Stores resulted in the family moving from Greenville to Jacksonville, Florida to Louisville, Kentucky, back to Jacksonville, and then finally to Atlanta, Georgia. Retirement found them embracing and loving Amelia Island, Florida from the mid to late 1970’s on. They were married 47 years.

Inez devoted herself to her family and friends. She was a member of the Junior League both as an active and sustaining member. Every home she lived in was accented by the beauty of the gardens and landscaping enhanced by her green thumb. Bridge kept her mind sharp and full of humor and wit throughout her life. Golf kept her active; and books along with a love of learning and reading made her an interesting conversationalist. And her suitcases were always at the ready for a travel adventure. Amelia Island Chapel played a very special role in her life, as did her relationship with God. Her faith was a part of who she was. She was a founding member of The Amelia Plantation Chapel over 35 years ago. She will be remembered for her southern charm and grace: always the southern lady, and for the many friends she collected throughout her life. She was part of The Greatest Generation! 99 years of grace!

Inez “Nana" is predeceased by her daughter, Kathy Merritt Smith; and is survived by her son, MarionWilliam Merritt Jr., and daughter, Inez Merritt Aspinwall (Be’) and her husband, David C Aspinwall; 5 grandchildren: Ashley Ayers Stinson, Anna Merritt English, Brooke Elizabeth Cusimano, Courtney Aspinwall Hjort, and Johnathan Westbrook Aspinwall; 7 great grandchildren: Anthony William Cusimano, Aiden Michael Cusimano, Allen Vito Cusimano, Solomon Merritt Bombeck, James Merritt English, Vivianne Ayra Aspinwall and Jorah Daniel Aspinwall.

Her memory is forever etched in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at the Amelia Island Chapel on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.