Gloria Bader Merchant

Mrs. Gloria Bader Merchant, of Elberton, wife of the late Francis Merchant, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 100.

Mrs. Merchant was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 1, 1924, daughter of the late Karl F. Bader and Elizabeth Beyer. She devoted her life to the service of others through education. Mrs. Merchant received her PhD from the University of Iowa and served as Dean of Women and history professor at the Methodist College in Fayetteville, NC. She retired from Piedmont College where she was a member of the college’s history faculty. 

A lady of great faith, Mrs. Merchant was a member of the former First United Methodist Church of Elberton where she was a member of the church’s Manning Coed Sunday School Class. She served as a Sunday school teacher, member of the Book Review Club, member of the Covenant Prayer Group, and a member of the United Methodist Woman. Gloria served her community as a member of Elbert Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary for 16 years. 

Along with her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Caryl Emmerson Roeder.

A memorial service celebrating Gloria’s life will be conducted on Sunday, January 26, at 3:00p.m. at Magnolia Estates, officiated by the Rev. Gary Purvis. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Gloria Bader Merchant.