Merle Elizabeth (German) Tarpley

Merle Elizabeth German Tarpley, age 93, of Greensboro, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Greene Point Health Care and Rehabilitation in Union Point, Georgia. She was born in Covington, Georgia, on February 8, 1932, and was the youngest of four children born to the late Robert Preston German, Sr. and Olive Louise Beeland German. She moved to Greensboro and attended Greensboro High School. She married Amory Lee Tarpley, Sr. on May 30, 1947; he preceded her in death in 2010, after they had been married for sixty-two years. 

After many years as a homemaker, she worked in the textile industry. In 1967, she attended a cake decorating class at the University of Georgia, further developing her natural talent for baking. She established Merle’s Cake Baking and Designs, specializing in a variety of flavored cakes, often creating wedding, anniversary, and birthday cakes. She enjoyed designing children’s birthday cakes featuring their favorite characters or toys, such as Barbie. Her renowned Burnt Caramel Cake, a family recipe from Mrs. Flossie Marchman, was a popular choice at church gatherings and was always in high demand.

During her husband's employment at the Greene County Country Club in Union Point, she assisted him in the Pro Shop. She also provided childcare for her grandchildren and other children when possible. She was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church, where she participated in Sunday school and choir activities.

Survivors include two daughters, Laura Teresa Dyar (Jon) of Greshamville and Madeline Lee Aaron (James) of Athens, Georgia; a son, Amory Lee Tarpley, Jr. of Greensboro, Georgia; four grandchildren, Jonathan Presley Dyar V (Angel), Andrew Tarpley Dyar (Montana), Joshuala Edward Aaron (Ariele), and Benjamin Paul Aaron (Brittany); great-grandchildren, Jeremy Dyar, Malachi Dyar, Kaylee S. Dyar, Jonathan Presley Dyar VI, Freeman Andrew Dyar, Shuman Smith Dyar, Emalee Norris, Kyle Norris, Bryce Aaron, Amory Aaron, and Silas Aaron; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Robert Preston German, Sr., Mattie German Davis, and Dorothy German Bryan.

The family sincerely appreciates the care provided by the staff of Greene Point Health Care and Affinis Hospice Care.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Greshamville, with Reverend Michael Pritchett officiating. Burial will follow at the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, located at 1400 Farmington Road, Madison, Georgia 30650. Pallbearers will be Pres Dyar, Andy Dyar, Ben Aaron, Clint Patrick, Cody Patrick, and Mike Patrick. Honorary pallbearers include Charles Crumbley and Ray Sellers. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial donations may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 1400 Farmington Road, Madison, GA 30650. McCommons Funeral Home, located at 109 W. Broad Street, Greensboro, Georgia (706) 453-2626, is serving the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Merle Elizabeth (German) Tarpley, please visit our floral store.