Merle Hemby, 94 of Columbus, MS passed away Thursday, April 09, 2015 at Aurora Australis Lodge, Columbus, MS. Visitation will be Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Bill Duncan officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Columbus, MS. Mrs. Hemby was born May 25, 1920 to the late Noel and Lillie Mobley Shelton. She worked for 25 years as a bailiff for Lowndes County and was co-owner of Milton's Meat Market with her husband James Milton Hemby. She was a member of East End Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hemby was preceded in death by her husband - James Milton Hemby, Sr., sons - Jim Hemby and Phil Hemby and brother - J.B. Shelton. Mrs. Hemby is survived by her sister - Jackie Williams, Columbus, MS daughter-in-laws - Debra Hemby, Columbus, MS and Alice Hemby, Columbus, MS, grandchild - April Hemby, Nashville, TN and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Mel Sharpe, Ernie Smith, John Poss, John Hillhouse, Sr., Jerry Kendall and Bob Jaudon. Memorials may be made to Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703.