Merle Marie Hilsinger

Merle Hilsinger, 82, of Columbus, GA passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 12th 2021.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 Wednesday, June 16, 2021 in Ft. Benning Main Post Cemetery with Reverend Morris Lewark officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet 10:00 AM Wednesday at McMullen Funeral Home to travel in a funeral procession.

Merle was born to Arthur and Ruby Mills at their family farm in Ayden, NC on August 30, 1938. Recovering from the Great Depression, North Carolina relied on the export of tobacco crops, which Merle’s family grew and she helped tend to while going to school. Upon graduating high school, she met Clement Hilsinger. They would go on to be married for 51 years until Clement’s passing in February 2011. One of their favorite things to do was travel together.

During Clement’s military career as a Sergeant, Merle was a devoted military wife while raising their two sons; for a time they were stationed in Germany. When Clement deployed to Korea, Merle and her sons returned to her hometown where they enjoyed tending the garden together and canning vegetables. She especially loved North Carolina’s Eastern-style barbeque and fresh collards. After Clement’s retirement from the military the family settled in Columbus, GA, where he and Merle became involved in the VFW. Even after his passing she continued to support the VFW and enjoyed making cakes for their special events. She was an avid supporter of the men and women in the armed forces and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.

Merle delighted in her children and grandchildren coming to her house and spending time with her. She had such a sweet, discerning spirit, and was so intentional and thoughtful in the greeting cards she sent for every occasion. She had a generous heart and always made sure her family knew they were loved and thought of. Whether it was making everyone’s favorite dishes for the holidays, making someone’s favorite cake for their birthday, passing down recipes and cooking tips to her grandchildren, or going out to eat, she loved having her family around the table where everyone could talk, laugh, and just be together.

Survivors include her sons, Richard Hilsinger (Lisa) of Cataula, Georgia, Floyd Hilsinger of Smith Station, Alabama, sister, Mantha Heisley of  Sarasota, FL, sister-in-law, Pat Baker of Fayetteville, NC, grandchildren, Chris Hilsinger, Chase Hilsinger, Chad Hilsinger, Katie Cannon, great grandchildren, Noah, Corbin and Ezra.