Merry Lou Ballard

Merry Lou Ballard, 84, a cherished mother and educator, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, in Cleveland, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Oliver and Thelma Dudley and grew up in the hills of Winona, Mississippi. Throughout her life, Merry Lou enriched the lives of those around her with her generosity and dedication to her family and improving the lives of young children. She was a long-time member of Immanuel Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher and choir member. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family and husband.

Merry Lou held a master’s degree in elementary education and supervision from Delta State College, which allowed her to inspire over 600 students throughout her 30-year career as a 4-year-old kindergarten teacher at First United Methodist Church in Cleveland. Her passion for learning and creativity left a lasting mark on the young hearts and minds throughout the Cleveland community. Simply put – she loved teaching children.

Merry Lou was preceded in death by her father, William Oliver Dudley; mother, Thelma Morgan Dudley; her special cousin, Ted Stevens and her dear brother-in-law, Leslie Grand.

She is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 63 years, Ed Ballard; children, Alisa Free (Mark), Dudley Ballard (Sheila) and Merry Claire Wardlaw (Drew); her much loved grandchildren, Bryson Ballard, Ainsley Ballard, Elliott Lewis (Heather), Caroline Wardlaw and Kate Wardlaw. Also mourning her loss are her beloved sister, Alice Carol Grand; her dear brothers, Bill Dudley (Faye), Ricky Dudley and many friends, family, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Her family expresses their deep gratitude to the staff at Indywood Estate and for her loyal caregivers at North Sunflower Hospice Jeanette Watson, Frances Cruse, Georgia Buck and Michelle Wooten.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16 at 10am at Ray Funeral Home, where family and friends will gather to honor her life. Following visitation, a celebration of life service will take place at 11am with Rev. Tim Starnes officiating.

The family requests that memorials go to Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta, Friends of the Bolivar County Library System, Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.

Merry Lou's legacy continues in the lives she touched, both in her professional life and personal relationships. Her compassion for others, her dedication to education and her beautiful smile will be remembered by all who knew her.