Mary Joyce Merritt Paulk

Mrs. Mary Joyce Merritt Paulk, 95, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed away February 1, 2026. Joyce was born in Warwick, Georgia, on May 15, 1930, the daughter of the late Henry Warren Merritt and the late Anna Lucile Odom Merritt.

Joyce graduated from Ocilla High School in Ocilla, Georgia and shortly thereafter married the love of her life, Walter Gerald Paulk, to whom she was married over 65 years until his passing. Joyce was formerly a seamstress and substitute teacher. Her love for the Lord was evident in her life and through her membership at Concord United Methodist Church.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joyce was also preceded in death by her daughter, Delores "Lorrie" Paulk Davis; and her brothers, W. L. Merritt, William Merritt and Joseph Merritt.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Kenneth G. (Valerie) Paulk; son-in-law, Kenneth M. Davis; grandchildren: Robin Paulk Motes, Jason Paulk, Alan (Danielle) Davis, and Ben (Rachel) Davis; great grandchildren: Jayden Motes, Carson Davis, Brooke Davis, Emily Davis and Reagan Davis; sisters-in-law; Betty Merritt, Bonnie Merritt and Shirley Merritt; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Concord United Methodist Church, 4694 S. Hickory Level Road, Carrollton, Georgia, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation in the sanctuary at 11:00 am with Pastor Todd Dudich officiating. Pianist will be Louann Pendley.

Interment will follow in the Concord United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce desired contributions be made to the Memorial Trust Fund at Concord United Methodist Church, 4682 S. Hickory Level Road, Carrollton, Georgia 30117.

You may share your thoughts and condolences online at www.samclarkfuneralhome.com

Clark Funeral Home of Hiram, Georgia is honored to be entrusted with the services for Mrs. Mary Joyce Merritt Paulk.