Merle Thomas, age 87,of Nicholls, GA died early this morning Saturday March 3 ^rd , 2018 at Twin Oaks Nursing Home after a short illness.  She was a native of Coffee County, daughter of the late Jiles Kirkland and Mamie Taylor Kirkland and was also preceded in death by her two husbands Curtis Rigdon and Paul Thomas, a son Donald Curtis Rigdon and a brother Tommy Kirkland.  Merle was a member of the Nicholls Church of God of Prophecy.

Survivors include two brothers Ronnie Kirkland (Betty Jo) of Nicholls, Bobby Kirkland (Judy) of Nicholls, two sisters Judy Thompson (Roger) of Nicholls, Jean Milligan of Nicholls, two grandchildren Brent Rigdon (Hollie) of Nicholls, Cameron Rigdon of Nicholls, a great-grandchild Sarifina Rigdon of Lakeland, FL.

Funeral services will be held Friday March 9 ^th , 2018 at the Nicholls Church of God of Prophecy with Rev. Tommy James and Rev. Paul Anderson officiating.  Interment will follow in Wolf Pit Cemetery.  The family will be receiving friends at the funeral Home Thursday evening between 6 and 9 P M.  The body will be carried to the church Friday at 1:00 P M to lie in state.

Active pallbearers will be Stacy Kirkland, Ardel Boatright, Allen Thompson, Steve Thompson and Wade Morgan.  All others in attendance will be considered as honorary.

Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of all the arrangements.