Dr. Jeanette G. Merriweather, 83, entered rest on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:24am in her
Augusta residence. She was born on February 18, 1943, in Lake City, Florida, the only child of the late
Mr. John Adams and Ms. Hazel Garner. She peacefully transitioned from this life, leaving behind a legacy
of compassion, scholarship, and service to others.
Dr. Merriweather devoted her life to nursing, education, and mentorship. She earned an Associate of
Science in Nursing from Lake City Community College in 1971 and continued her academic journey at
the Medical College of Georgia, earning both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1976) and Master of
Science in Nursing (1977).
She later completed a Post-Master’s Teaching Certificate from Emory University; The School of Nursing in 2006 and achieved her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Chatham University in 2009. Her doctoral capstone, Mentoring as a Retention Tool for Newly Hired Graduate
Nurses reflected her lifelong commitment to strengthening the nursing profession through mentorship.
Throughout her career, Dr. Merriweather contributed to nursing scholarship and research. Her published
works included studies on psychiatric nursing, diabetes care, and nephrology nursing, including the 2013
Nephrology Nursing Journal case study on dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. She held membership in
numerous professional organizations, including the American Nurses Association, American Nephrology
Nurses Association, American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau International, and
the National League for Nursing.
Her excellence and dedication were recognized through numerous honors, including the Spirit of Nursing
Award (2011), Dean’s Awards for Achievement and Community Leadership from Georgia Regents
University College of Nursing (2013), and certification in nephrology nursing.
Dr. Merriweather was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Lake Merriweather; sons Joseph Nathaniel
Merriweather, Vincent Varnell Owens, and Rodger Dale Owens.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children Sarah Elizabeth Merriweather; Sylvester (Michelle) Owens; Angel Jeanette Owens; Nelson Fitzgerald Owens; Gregory (Michelle) Owens; Terry (Bruce) Slay; and Paula Sue Owens; a loving extended family of children including Michael (Regina) Merriweather, Gregory (Debra) Merriweather, Maurice (Abbey) Merriweather, Marcus (Joyce) Merriweather, Jackie Merriweather, and Sandra (Pat) Butler, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, and a host of family members and friends.
Dr. Jeanette G. Merriweather’s life was defined by faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to
caring for others. In her leisure time, Jeanette loved traveling, gardening, quiet moments at the beach, and
quality time with her family. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched as a nurse, educator, mentor, mother, and friend.
Public viewing and visitation will be Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home.
A celebration of life will be 11:00am, Friday, March 6, 2026, at Beulah Grove Baptist Church, 1434
Poplar Street, Augusta, GA 30901.
Interment will follow at Westover Memorial Park, 2601 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30904.
Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home, 3618 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, Ga. (706) 790-8858.
For family and friends who are unable to attend, the Celebration of Life service will be livestreamed. You may view the service using the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/3618peachOrchardRd
Send flowers to the service of Dr. Jeanette G. Merriweather
Katrina L. Rivers sent Beautiful Dreams for Dr. Jeanette G. Merriweather - March 04, 2026
Regina Porter planted 5 trees in memory of Dr. Jeanette G. Merriweather . - March 04, 2026
Shirley C Sessions sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Dr. Jeanette G. Merriweather - March 03, 2026
Cheryl Leakes sent Sweet Moments for Dr. Jeanette G. Merriweather - March 02, 2026
Mom, your love was the foundation of my life, and your strength, wisdom, and grace continue to guide me every day. You were not only my mother but my greatest teacher, my protector, and my constant source of comfort. I am who I am because of you, and I will carry your legacy with me in everything I do. Though my heart aches in your absence, I find peace in knowing your love will never leave me. Thank you for every sacrifice, every lesson, and every moment. I will love you always and forever. Your Daughter Paula S. Owens
On behalf of the Hogan family, we send our condolences to Dr. Jeanette G. Merriweather and her family. She was a beautiful light from the moment we met her. We are truly grateful to have known her and her family. May she rest peacefully, and we are proud of the example she left on this earth.
Dr Merriweather was my colleague and travel partner when we took a group of nursing students to Peru. We had the greatest adventure that year, I loved traveling with her. She was an amazing nurse and faculty and I thank her family for sharing her with all of us at Augusta University.
She was quietly strong — not loud about it, not seeking attention — but steady. You could feel her strength in the way she carried herself and in the peace she had. She will be remembered in our hearts forever.
My Condolences To The Family 🙏🏾
Dr. Merriweather was my PA at Lamar Medical Center and she was the best...Sending prayers to her family!!🙏🙏🙏
May God comfort and strengthen you as you overcome the pain and grief of losing your God appointed matriarch. 🙏🏽❤️
I was fortunate to know Jeanette as a colleague and fellow soror at Augusta State University and later at what is now known as Augusta University. Her Christian witness, professionalism, and wise counsel inspired me. I extend my sincere condolences to the Merriweather family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
It was a pleasure meeting Dr. Merriweather. I (Greg) only spent one moment in time with her through granddaughter Kristen, but that one time left a lasting impression. First impression is that she is a woman of God. I was a stranger, and she welcomed me into her home. I felt that warmth (a kindred spirit) and will never forget it.
Romans 8:29-30 MSG [29-30] God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son.
And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.
To the family and friends, you have our sincerest condolences. We're praying for your strength during this time.
I met Jeanette in 1981 after relocating to Augusta. I was born and raised in a neighboring town (High Springs) in FL from Lake City, the hometown of Jeanette. Because of that we bonded, we shared with one another after our trips back home. I found Jeanette to be a Christian woman from the day I met her until she retired from VA Hospital. When she became Manager of our unit, we were very happy about management's decision. So, family we realize that her spirit has gone back home to be with the Lord! Continue to live as she taught you and you will reunite with her in Glory someday!!! Juanetter Aaron Moore
My sincere condolences to this family. I remember Dr. Merriweather's smile and warm spirit. She will truly be missed her at Lamar.
Condolences to the family. It was a privilege to know and be a part of her journey. Rest in peace with your heavenly bound journey.
Jeannette, my Sister in Christ. My Sorority Sister and a Kind and Faithful friend. I was blessed to have her as a Health Care Provider at Beulah Grove Medical Center. I will miss her, yet I Praise God's Word. "To be absent from man, is to present with the Lord." To her Loving Family. Just know that "God Will Take Care of You.". She has left you a Legacy of Service to Others. "God will bless you, because of her Service to others for Generations. What a Beautiful Life She Lived! Carrie B. Fields
Dr. Merriweather was such a blessing in my life. She was a professor, mentor, and mother figure to me. She played an important role in my BSN, MSN & DNP journey. Through the good & bad she gave me advice and encouragement and lessons. I am forever grateful to have had her presence. My condolences to the family & thank you for sharing her gracefully.
Jeanette and I were "line sisters" when we joined Phi Chi Chapter, of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated, in 1984 over 42 years ago. We also had other common connections that I shall never forget. She was kind and showed love to all she engaged in life. She loved Nursing and made a great impact in Nursing future through her work. I can truly say my life was better because of her being apart of the friendship we formed. To her family and friends, know that a life well lived in serving others takes action on what we are called to do. May Lord be your strength through the days ahead, He will hold you all with his right hand. Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit," showing God's closeness to those in pain.
She was a best friend, a teacher, a mentor, a great arguer, a example of how to show people age has no limit. She was my cheerleader, my vent board, dolphin lover friend, and so much more. I will see you again big sister. Love to more. Pattie
Momma Merriweather was the absolute sweetest and most kind person I have ever met. With her warm embrace and her comforting hugs I always felt loved since the first time I met her. Always happy, cheerful and welcoming anyone with open arms and that amazing smile. I'm saddened to know of her passing but i just know she is continuing to do amazing things in her next chapter. With all the love Amy (Cecilia)
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.