Merlene Dyal Altman, 87, of Jesup, Ga. passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023 under the care of Georgia Hospice Care.  The Wayne County native was a member of Spring Grove Freewill Baptist Church and owner of Love Blossoms in Hinesville.  Merlene loved people and it showed when she would greet customers at Walmart and design their floral pieces when they had that department. When she wasn't working, she would love to play Solitaire, scratch lottery tickets and bowl with her Ft. Stewart Bowling League.  Her husband of 34 years, Carlton "Pee Wee" Altman preceded her in death along with several siblings and a grandson, Jo Jo Altman.

Survivors are two daughters, Susan (Josh) Hanks and Jan (Steve) Evans, both of Jesup; a son, Wayne (Michelle) Altman of Townsend; grandchildren, Christopher Altman, Mandy Griffis White, Kayla Moody, Jessey and Colby Pollette, Whitney (Preston Gibbs) Moody, Trey Evans and Krystal Grube; several great grandchildren; a brother, Grady Dyal of Franklin, Tenn.; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Spring Grove Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Wilder officiating. Interment will follow in the Spring Grove Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her family.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.