Obituary of Merle Whitman Ezell

Mrs. Nona Merle Whitman Ezell, age 97, of Huntsville, Alabama, and formerly of Ozark, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, surrounded by her family. A private celebration of life is planned for Mrs. Ezell in Huntsville, Alabama. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memory Gardens in Ozark. Holman Funeral Home of Ozark has been entrusted with local arrangements. Merle was born to the late Orie and Lucille Whitman on March 21, 1928, and lived in Ozark, Alabama, until 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Bennett Milton “Buddy” Ezell. Together, they owned and operated Ezell Oil Company for over 30 years until their retirement. While living in Ozark, Mrs. Ezell was a member of Ozark Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities. She was also a member of numerous community organizations throughout the years. Merle and her husband were instrumental in helping to establish the Vivian B. Adams School for special needs students. She was a true Southern matriarch. A passionate decorator, she made her surroundings beautiful with her unique flair. She was also a gracious hostess and accomplished seamstress. Merle was an avid reader who loved working puzzles and playing cards. She was a devoted mother and caregiver to her daughter Sandra for over 60 years. Mrs. Ezell was preceded in death by three sisters, Maurine Kirkland, Helen Vaughn and Elizabeth Helms. Survivors include her daughters, Susan Ezell Connor (Tim) and Sandra Ezell, both of Huntsville. She is also survived by five grandsons who loved her dearly: Bennett and his wife, Madison, and Garrett and his wife, Kelly, of Huntsville, Alabama; David and his wife, Meg, of Marietta, Georgia; Drew Connor and his fiancée, Daelyn, of Columbus, Mississippi; and Everett Connor of Nashville, Tennessee. Merle was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren she adored: Wyatt, Beau, William, John, David, Claire, and Molly. Other survivors include her sister, Doris Creel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Vivian B. Adams School, 2047 Stuart Tarter Road, Ozark, Alabama 36360.