Merle Williamson

Merle Huskey Williamson, age 90, of Woodsfield, went home to be with her Lord and Savior May 9, 2022. Merle was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Everette Williamson. She is survived by their three children, Bill (Sue) Williamson, Lois (Walter, deceased) Starr, and Connie (Lars) Hansen; six grandchildren, Amy Figel, Beth (Jay) Rohal, Kelly (Andy) Riley, Betsy (Christian) Yates, Kristy (Jim) Ritchie, Elijah (Afsar) Ray, 20 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.

She was born in Walland, Tennessee, to the late Shird Luther and Emma Trentham Huskey, one of 14 children, including siblings Shird Luther, Eugene, Velma, Nellie, Beulah, Vita, Ruth, Ina, John, Blanche, Shirley, Lois, and Burl (killed in World War II).

Merle, along with her husband Everette, was a charter member of the Oak View Baptist Church in Walland, TN. Merle loved to sing in the church choir and teach Sunday School at Sistersville American Baptist Church in Sistersville, WV, then later at First Baptist Church of Woodsfield, OH. Her father led their large family in singalongs teaching them how to sing using shape notes, which covered the pages of the Baptist hymnals. She played these hymns on the piano for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In high school, Merle worked at a sewing factory in Knoxville, TN, then later at LGAM Sewing Factory in Woodsfield, OH. She also worked at Stifflers Department Store, Woodsfield Finance Company and Hamilton Insurance Agency in Beallsville. She also served on the election board in Woodsfield for many years. Merle was known among family and friends for her hand-crafted quilts and sewing abilities. She often visited fellow church congregants living at the local assisted care and rehabilitation center.

Merle’s family would like to extend their overwhelming gratitude to Stellar Care Center for taking such excellent care of her. Friends will be received at the Watters Funeral Home, 37501 State Route 78 West, Woodsfield, Ohio from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday, May 13th where funeral services will also be held beginning at 1 pm with Brian McKee officiating. Burial will follow at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Woodsfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 114 N. Paul St., Woodsfield, Ohio 43793 or to Oakview Baptist Church, 2704 Ellejoy Road, Walland, Tennessee 37886.

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