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.
Condolences(20)
Curtis Eubanks
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, November 30, 2016 Good morning Yvonne...I am so very sorry to hear the news concerning your sister, Merry Jo Williams. You are in my prayers and know that there are many of your co-workers that share in this sentiment. I look forward to giving you a hug when you are able to return to work.Felecia Childs
Warren, AR Tuesday, November 29, 2016 Praying for the familyAdita Karkera
, AR Tuesday, November 29, 2016 Yvonne, Prayers for you and the family.-Adita
Patricia Jones
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, November 29, 2016 Y,I am deeply saddened by your loss. Your sister held a special place in your heart which is really hurting now. Keep your faith strong in God's hands as you know He will heal all pain. Keeping you and your family in prayer. Pat
Judi Akin
Redfield, AR Tuesday, November 29, 2016 Yvonne,I am just now hearing about this and I am so saddened! You know you and your family are in my prayers and I know, you know, God's grace will get you through this painful time. God Bless you all.
Judi
Carolyn Wells
Hot Springs Village, AR Monday, November 28, 2016 Merry Jo came into my life through stories from her sister, and my dear friend, Yvonne. It was only recently I had the privilege of enjoying a nice conversation with Merry Jo, and I'm thankful for that time. My heart goes out to her family, and they will be in my prayers.Rick and Darlene Lee
Paron, AR Monday, November 28, 2016 Our thoughts and prayers are with Yvonne and her family.Brenda Edington
Conway, AR Monday, November 28, 2016 I will truly miss your mother cause we shared the same Birthday and she would always a special gift for me and you have my condolences. ...Denetra Foster
Monticello, AR Monday, November 28, 2016 RICHARD AND LENA SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS MAY GOD STRENGTHEN YOU ALLMERRY Jo Will be missed
Love Denetra Foster
Pam Leeper
Monticello, AR Monday, November 28, 2016 You are a beautiful spirit Merry Jo and I loved knowing you. the laughs we had and great time sharing our love of the Lord. God bless your family. You were a treasured friend. So glad I had the chance to visit with you a few weeks ago.Montanez Marks
MONTICELLO, AR Sunday, November 27, 2016 Praying for the family in this difficult time,My mother and Ms.Merry Jo were best friends,she will always have a special place in our hearts...SALLIE CALBERT
Monticello, AR Sunday, November 27, 2016 When i first met Merry Jo ,we had many laugh about how she spelled her name i would say Mary Jo and she would say i told you it Merry just like Merry Christmas ..once you new her you could not help but fall in love with that special laugh she had . . I will truly miss my dear friend, keeping on laughing ,love youSharon Shook McIntyre
Titusville, FL Saturday, November 26, 2016 Dear Family of Merry Jo,I was very saddened to hear of your loss. I had the wonderful pleasure of knowing & working with Merry Jo for many years at Burlington. She was a Christian gem on Earth her true self always shining through & now that she is with our Lord in Heaven she will continue to shine beside Him. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.
In Christian Love,
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Curtis Adams
Sherwood, AR Saturday, November 26, 2016 Merry Jo was a very good friend . I'm Curtis. I was married to her sister, Yvonne. She was always so hospitable. God bless you and your family . 501-416-3958.Mary Washington Bailey
Monticello, AR Friday, November 25, 2016 I will miss seeing Ms. Merry Jo whenever I come home and visit Holmes Chapel. I always went & gave her a hug. We shall meet again on that great day! My prayer is that God will strengthen the family. Ms.Merry Jo would want everyone to keep serving God & know her troubles are over.Jo Ann Trotter
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 24, 2016 Praying for the family.Phyllis Tillman
Warren, AR Wednesday, November 23, 2016 To the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Merry Jo was a beautiful person inside and out. She was my boss back in the day at Burlington on night shift. She was one of the best and someone I respected greatly. All the talks we had on those late nights were awesome. Fly high Merry Jo. Your beautiful life will remain an example of how I always treat others. You will be missed.Brenda Noble
Tillar, AR Wednesday, November 23, 2016 Merry Jo was a beautiful person inside and out. She was loved by many friends and will be missed. I am so sorry for your loss, but she is now in her Father's Mansion, He has prepared her place. Jesus said In My Father's House are many mansions and I go to prepare a place for you. Her place has been prepared. God Bless you.SHARON HARMON
monticello, AR Tuesday, November 22, 2016 I HAVE NOT KNOWN MARY JO LONG, BUT IT DIDNT TAKE LONG TO FIND OUT THAT SHE WAS A WONDER,SWEET KIND CHRISTIAN WOMAN. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF US.Roberta
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, November 22, 2016 My heart broke when I realized you transitioned over into your heavenly home; only because your kind words, witty spirit, and your genuine love for people will be missed so much. Each time I had the chance to visit with you, I left with a little more wisdom. Rest in Heaven my friend; You will truly be missed. Prayers for all who are left behind to carry on without you. Lord, strengthen them.