Merry Jo Williams
December 25, 1947 - November 20, 2016

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Funeral Service Holmes Chapel Church 527 E. McCloy Monticello ,  AR 71655 11/29/2016 at 10:00 A.M. Map & Directions   Strickland Memorial Cemetery Dermott, AR 71638

Merry Jo Williams, age 68 of Monticello, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2016 at her home. Merry Jo Williams was born December 25, 1947, in Dermott, AR to the late Clarence Sr. and Georgia Mae Castle.

She graduated from Desha High School in McGehee, AR, in 1965 as Valedictorian. She married Richard Morgan, Jr. and to this union was born two children, Richard E. Morgan, III and Helena Yvonne Morgan.

She made history as the first black employee of McGehee Bank and Southwestern Bell in McGehee, AR. She was employed as a supervisor at Burlington Industries in Monticello, AR, for more than 35 years. She was also a notary public and later served as a social worker for Options Inc. Battered Women’s Shelter in Monticello.

She accepted Christ at an early age and united with St. Peter’s AME Church in McGehee. Before her departure, she served as a faithful member and leader of the Elder’s Board at Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church in Monticello.

In addition to her parents preceding her in death, she was also preceded in death by a favorite aunt, Helen Burgess.

She leaves to cherish her memories, one son, Richard E.(Nicki) Morgan, III of Bastrop, LA; one daughter, Helena Yvonne Morgan of Shreveport, LA; two brothers, Clarence Castle, Jr. of New Jersey and Ralph E. (Debbie) Castle of Las Vegas, NV; one sister, Yvonne B. (Narzell) Davenport of Jacksonville, AR; her close friend she called “sister”, Joan Bagwell of Monticello, AR; two grandchildren, Raymond Wilson of Dallas, TX, and Ja’Kayla Morgan of Bastop, LA; a special great nephew, Jayden Castle Tucker of Jacksonville, AR; a special niece, Kara Blake Castle of Jacksonville, AR; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Holmes Chapel Presbyterian Church with burial to follow in Strickland Memorial Garden Cemetery. Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.