Annie Elizabeth Merritt, age 89, passed away peacefully at Bacon County Hospital February 10, 2026, after a short illness. She was born in Coffee County on April 12, 1936, to the late Alvin Lott and Letha Oglesby Lott. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Earl Merritt; daughter, Ophellia Steptoe; sister, Virginia Toler and great-granddaughter, Caylee Merritt.

She was a member of the Church of God faith most of her life.

She is survived by her sons, Rev. Alvin Merritt (Tammy) of Hazlehurst and Wesley Merritt (Melanee) of Alma; six grandchildren, Brandon Merritt (Heather), Brent Merritt (Shannon), Jaelyn Merritt, Jensie Merritt, Amber Steptoe (Jeff Goodman), and Anna Taylor (Jayson); six great-grandchildren; son in law, Billy Steptoe (Marcy) of Southern Pines, NC; sisters in law, Phylis Burch, Louise Brown, Connie McNeese, and LaDonna Foshee.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11 AM at Southside Church of God with Bro. David Deen and Bro. Tommy Davis officiating and a letter read by Rev. Alvin Merritt. Interment will follow at New Vision Church Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at Crosby Funeral Home Thursday from 6-8 PM.

Active pallbearers include Tommy Davis, Brandon Merritt, Brent Merritt, Carson Merritt, Jayson Taylor, and Bill Boatright.

Honorary pallbearers include Lynn Rentz,  Jerry Nall, the staff of Twin Oaks Nursing Home, Mandy Boatright, and the staff of We Care Family Practice.