Jean "Merrilynn" (Misner) Gay

Jean M. "Merrilynn" (Misner) Gay, age 91, of Battle Creek passed away Thursday afternoon, September 8, 2022. She was born in Sparta, Michigan on February 3, 1931, the loving daughter of Jason Lynn and Emma R. (Schmidt) Bradford. Merrilynn graduated from Albion College in 1953 and worked as a first-grade teacher with the Lakeview School District for several years.

Merrilynn had an incredible love for music. Throughout the years she enjoyed singing with the Battle Creek Community Chorus and the First United Methodist Church choir, and playing the Dulcimer with the Olde Tyme Music band. She also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds in her back yard. Merrilynn joined the First United Methodist Church on September 29, 1963 and was also a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and served as a Girl Scout leader for over 20 years as well as District Chairwoman of Glowing Embers Girl Scout Council.

Merrilynn was sadly preceded by two husbands, Max D. Misner and Roger L. Gay; her daughter, Anne Elizabeth Mann; and brothers Dean and Norman Bradford. She is survived by her daughter, Sara (Steve) Sanger of Clarkston; her son-in-law, Greg Mann of Wisconsin; her grandchildren, Savannah Mann, Alexandra, and Colin Boucher; and her great-grandchildren, Quin, Ronin and Brooks. She is also survived by Roger's children, Leta Morris, Tom (Vicki) & Phil (Pati) Gay, and their families.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, September 18th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. A memorial service to celebrate Merrilynn's life will begin at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 19th at the First United Methodist Church, 111 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek with Pastor Larry French, officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the P.E.O. Cottey Scholarship Fund and/or the First United Methodist Church.