Esther Merle Wade

Graveside services for Esther Merle Wade, 84, of Americus are 3 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Boston Cemetery. Miss Wade died September 9, 2009 at Magnolia Manor in Americus. Born March 18, 1925 in Boston, she was the daughter of the late James Connie Wade and the late Esther Cobb Wade Cook. Miss Wade grew up in Boston and after graduating from Boston High School she attended Valdosta State University. She began her teaching vocation at the 5th grade level at Boston School. Later she obtained an B S degree in dietetics from the University of Georgia and an M S degree in nutrition from Mississippi State University. Additional post graduate training was pursued at Cornell University and Oklahoma State University.
Her long and rewarding career as a college professor began and concluded at Berry College. In between her tenures at Berry College she served on the faculty at East Carolina College, Oklahoma State University, and Southwestern Minnesota State College. Miss Wade was a member of the original faculty at Southwestern Minnesota State College where she designed the facility for and organized the Department of Institutional Food Service and Management. She served as department head for 7 years. Miss Wade was known and recognized for her dedication to imparting knowledge to those who studied under her.
Merle Wade was a devoted Christian Disciple who served her churches in many capacities and enjoyed fellowship with her church family. Second to her devotion to her Heavenly Father was her devotion to her earthly family. Although having no children of her own, she cherished being involved with her nieces and nephews and participating in their development. Survivors include sister Mildred W. Gainey and husband Ray of Cordele, GA and brother Oscar T. Cook, Jr. and wife Margaret of Boston; nieces and nephews, Connie J. Zahniser of Murrieta, Ca, Lynda Jonson of Greely, Co, Ray D. Gainey, Jr of Ball Ground, Ga, Catherine G. Key of Talking Rock, Ga, Oscar T. Tom Cook, III of Thomasville and Rachel C. Beverly of Thomasville. She was preceded in death by a sister Alicetyne W. Jonson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boston Cemetery Maintenance Foundation, P.O. Box 492, Boston, Ga 31626. Family and friends may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com