Ms. Betty Lane Duck Merritt age 82 of Decatur, GA passed away on July 24, 2009 following a brief illness. She was born on July 2, 1927 in Greenville, SC to William Lane and Nancy Trimmier Merritt. Survivors are nieces and nephews: Joseph Lane Merritt of Walterboro, SC; Nancy Anne Bishop and Charles Robert Merritt both of Anderson, SC; Pamela M. Rogers of Rock Hill, SC; cousins: Art Merritt of Greenville, SC and Joanne W. Newman of Westport, Conn; and her longtime friend, caregiver and Wesleyan College roommate Nina Bishop Andrews of Decatur, GA. After graduation from college, Betty pioneered the careers of women in radio & television at WATL and WAGA. She was a member of the American Federation of TV and Radio Artists, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the International Association of Women in Radio and TV. She coordinated public relations between radio and TV, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. She also worked in public relations for the Georgia Medical Associations. She was also associated with Thibadeau Reality for several years. Graveside funeral services will be on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 2:00 PM in Kingsley Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Wesleyan College, 4760 Forsyth Rd., Macon, GA 31210. Local arrangements are by Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home of Starke, 904-964-6200 www.jonesgallagherfh.com hide