Willie Merle (Ashley) Backus

Willie Merle Backus, 87, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, November 19, 2023 while surrounded by family and friends who already miss her dearly.

Willie Merle Ashley was born in Treutlen County near Soperton, Georgia on June 11, 1936. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Willie Merle enjoyed bringing home strays (people, not animals) and taking care of them. She was a faithful friend to many people around her home, in the community, and in her church. She loved joyous laughter, listening to music, reading, sharing in a meal, vacationing, and visiting with friends and family on the front porch. Willie Merle was preceded in death by her mother, Levonnia Sikes, her son, Kenneth Lane, and her granddaughter, Brittany Lane. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. May we hold dear and treasure every memory until we meet again. 

Willie Merle is survived by her brother, Carlton Ashley; her children, Sandra Lee, Peter Counts, Jr., Lorrie Reno, Janice Anderson, and Roger Ramage; her grandchildren, Jason Lee, Jennifer Barron, Ashley Counts, Cody Smith, Sierra Emery, Brian Griffin, Erika Griffin, Racheal Finch, Shannon Patterson, Shane Ondriezek, Brandi Alger, Amberleigh Lane and Nicholas Ramage; several great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and several cousins; there are also scores of in-laws and unrelated people who affectionately returned her love and called her Momma. 
A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 4:30 pm at Crossroads Holy Church of God in Hinesville with Pastor Jeptha Newberry officiating. 

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made Heaven and Earth.” ~~ Psalm 121: 1-2


 

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