Merle (Hightower) Martin, 76 passed away after a long battle with dementia on January 16, 2021, surrounded by her family at her home.  Merle was born February 17, 1944 in Eastman, GA.  The family moved to Akron, Ohio in 1946.   She was educated in Akron Public School System, and was a proud 1961 graduate of Central High School.  Merle retired after 30+ years from Ohio Edison in 1995.  She also worked for the Ohio License Bureau last working in 2002.

Merle accepted Christ at an early age and was a Sunday School Teacher, read announcements, and did the welcome at Greater Bethel Baptist Church and since 1994, until her illness, at Macedonia Baptist under the leadership of Pastor Lorenzo Glenn.

Merle also enjoyed playing cards, scrabble, watching Wheel of Fortune, and dressing up for United Black Firefighters dances. She was active in E.A.C.H. Theater group.  Merle was known for keeping people laughing.  She had a beautiful smile that would light up any room. Merle was proceeded in death by parents Cornelius (Bail) and Merdis Hightower, Infant brother Danny, Aunts, Katherine Frank, Mary Lou (Willie) Thornton, Essie Jean (Emerson) Mathis, Uncles Milton (Louella) Jerks, Willie Mack (Ernestine) Bass,  Fred Bass, A.D.(Ira Lee) Bass, William (Heavy) Bass, Sidney Bass and Harlow (Harise Mae) Bass, J.C. (Ola Mae) Hightower.

Special cousins Lyn (Norm) Fears, Eloise Simpson and J.W. (Eloise) Hightower both are deceased, ex-husbands Harvey Murray and Joseph Martin, and nephew Ronnie Ransom. She leaves to cherish her memory daughter Dawn Kay (Gene I) Rouse, Daughter/caregiver Kimberly Marie (Tyrone Guess) Murray, Grandsons Gene Rouse II, Tyrell Cook and De'Ontae Murray.

Granddaughter Octavia Rouse.  Great grandchildren Tylee Cook, Geion and Keillen Rouse, De'Marrio Banks, Hayzle Clark, and Karter Cook.  Brothers Willie L, Cornelius (Junior), Jimmie Hightower.  Sister Barbara (Michael) Duboise.  Nephews James Eugene Hightower, Michael Alan, Nieces Tonya Legrair, Cheree (Temple) (Billie) Neadham and Jernika Hobdy.  Bonus daughter Danielle Williams. Special cousins Donald, Tony Thornton.  Best friends Jackie Smith, Connie Bryant, Beulah McDay, Stella Reynolds, Gwen Bethune, Helen Sanders and Lucille Dent and Wanda Wade.  Special family friends The Parson Family and The Keith Family along with other family, friends, and neighbors. Grand-cat Elliott and Grand-dog Jo-Jo.