Merle Bradberry Coursey passed away peacefully at home on November 26, 2021 at the age of 80 surrounded by her beloved family and her loving and faithful caregivers. Merle was born August 9,1941 in Athens, Georgia to the late Robert Thorton Bradberry and Lillie Rudolph. She graduated from the University of Georgia and received a BA in Journalism and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. After college she worked for the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Atlanta in the advertising department. After marrying John, she began her most important job as a loving wife and mother, a role in which she excelled. Later in life, Merle was the office manager at Industrial Fire and Safety Equipment, Inc. Merle was a faithful member of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.
Merle is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years John Paul Coursey, Jr. She is survived by her daughters: Katherine Coursey Gorham (Bob), Suzanne Wicker Coursey, and Sarah Coursey Haase (Bren). “Bebop” was also adored by seven grandchildren, Bo Gorham, Price Gorham, Mary Kate Gorham, Frannie Gorham, Nate Gorham, Sam Haase and Jake Haase. She is also survived by a brother, Rev. Robert Thorton Bradberry (Carolyn), two sisters, Jane Bradberry Harris (Tom), and Liz Bradberry Davis (Lamar), a sister in love Martha Coursey Shepherd (Jim) and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Thursday, December 2, 2021 in the Chapel of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, AL 35243. Visitation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Down Syndrome Alabama at www.downsyndromealabama.org in honor of her grandson Nate.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Coursey family.
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