Margaret Gertrude “Gert” Merrell Barnard, 93, of Huntsville, passed away Wednesday. Mrs. Barnard was born on Merrell Mountain in Marshall County, AL, one of 10 children, to George Coleman and Dee Whitaker Merrell. She married William Everett Barnard on September 21, 1946 after his return from World War II.
Everett and Gertrude spent 20 years in the military traveling around the United States serving their country. After military service, they settled in the Farley Community of South Huntsville where they were active in the Farley Church of Christ and service to their community.
Gertrude was predeceased by her husband, William Everett; her parents, George Coleman and Dee Whitaker Merrell; sister, Mary Merrell Bridges; brothers, Leonard, Paul, Dewey, Milford, Ray and J.D Merrell.
She is survived by sister, Faye Merrell Wildes, of Hammond, LA, and brother, Charles Merrell (Shirley) of Huntsville; special nieces, Doris Merrell Elkins of Huntsville; Sherry Merrell Gray of New Hope; and close friend Louise Taylor, along with a host of other nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, from 9-10 a.m., service will follow at 10 a.m. with burial at Maple Hill Cemetery, Stephen Elrod officiating. (www.laughlinservice.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Farley Church of Christ Building Fund, 12111 Memorial Parkway, SW, Huntsville, AL 35803.
