Mrs. Merline H. Ballard, 69, of 8 Saddle Horne Dr, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2011 at her residence.

Mrs. Ballard was born on May 28, 1942, in Brunswick , GA, the daughter of the late Clyde and Alice Mae Johnson Hickox.

Mrs. Ballard formerly owner and operated Herbs for Health in Central Plaza, and was a member of the Second Avenue Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 48 yrs, Don Ballard; daughters, Donna Mincey and Debbie Ballard Moon; son, Bryan E. Ballard, all of Rome, GA. five grandchildren, Danielle Mincey, Jonathan Mincey, Kara Mincey, Bria Moon and Jackson Moon; one brother, David Hickox, and sister-in-law, Jeanette Hickox, Snellville; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Dec 4, 2011 at 3 PM at the Second Avenue Baptist Church with the Rev. Monty Stallins officiating.  Interment will follow in the Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Therian Smith, Jim Pinson, Bob Bryant, Mike Bennett, Fred Moore and Terry Crider.

The Family will receive friends at Daniel’s Funeral Home in Rome, GA on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, from 6 until 9pm.

Those wishing may send memorial contributions to The Salvation Army, PO Box 5188, Rome, GA 30162-5188