Merrilou Williams

Merrilou Rae Williams, age 87 of Greensboro, passed away peacefully at home on

February 5, 2026. She was born in Bakersfield, CA, on September 14, 1938, to Carroll

Roberta Jones and James Porter Rae, and grew up in Concord, Virginia. She graduated

from Lynchburg College in 1959 with a major in Education, and together with her

husband, Howard L. Williams, raised their family in Greensboro.

Merrilou was a deacon of St. Paul Presbyterian Church and was an active member in

church life. She was deeply committed to education, teaching in the Greensboro public

schools for many years and serving on the Greensboro City School Board. A proud

member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she was also the family historian,

preserving memories for future generations. She loved playing bridge with her friends in

the Pink Flamingos bridge club and cheering on her favorite sports, from golf to football

to basketball.

Known for her sassy attitude and quick wit, Merrilou had a gift for making people laugh

and feel at ease. She was strong, independent, and never afraid to speak her mind, yet

she was endlessly kind and generous with her time and love. She deeply loved her

family and was happiest in life when spending time with her grandchildren and great-

grandchildren, who brought her the greatest joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard Leroy Williams; and

her sister, Barbara Alice Rae Carter. She is survived by her two children, Marc Aaron

Williams of Greensboro and Katherine Rae Williams of Loris, SC; her six

grandchildren-Christina Sandin, Megan Nasutis, Ben Yost, Josh Yost, Jacob Williams,

and Matthew Williams; her niece, Laura Robinson, and nephew, Jim Carter; and her

eight great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at 11a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12 p.m., on

Thursday, Feb. 19, at Triad Cremation and Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, donations

may be made to Greensboro Beautiful, specifically for Tanger Bicentennial Garden.