Mrs. Joan Merrill Ishee, 69, of Joy Drive, entered into rest on Saturday, March 25, 2006 at University Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28 at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Joyner officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Ishee was the daughter of the late Ruth Precilla Parker Merrill and the late Hugh Merrill, Sr. She was a former employee of the Medical College of Georgia where she kept medical records. She was a member and past matron of the Homer Legg Chapter 535 Order of the Eastern Star, New Hope Baptist Church, Women Missionary Union, and a former church pianist and choir member. Survivors include her beloved husband of 52 years, Cecil L. Ishee, Jr.; a daughter, Pamela I. Oliphant and husband, Jeffrey of Atlanta, Ga.; two sons, Daniel L. Ishee and wife, Sandra of Augusta, Ga. and Tracy A. Ishee of Thomson, Ga.; a sister, Peggy A. Carr of Wetumpka, Ala.; a brother, Hugh Merrill, Jr. of Birmingham, Ala.; four grandchildren, Nikki Densmore, Luke Ishee, Rebecca Gail Ishee and Merrill Claire Oliphant; and two great-grandchildren, Austin Densmore and Abby Gail Densmore.

Pallbearers were deacons and the men of New Hope Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Attn: Gift Processing Area 1687 Tullie Circle, Atlanta, Ga. 30329.

Rees Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.