Merre’dithe Williamson Welch

Merre’dithe Williamson Welch passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2013 in Gulfport, MS at the age of 72. She was born to Donald and Beatrice Williamson December 13, 1940 in Meridian, MS.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Jessie Floyd Welch and one son, Bobby Joe Koonce, Jr.

Merre’dithe is survived by her loving children: Teresa Magee, Donald Koonce, and Shannon Favre; five grandchildren: Jason Armstrong, Jaimie Armstrong, Spencer Armstrong, Brittney Koonce, and Lacey Lawson; three great grandchildren: Isaac Reese, Chloe Koonce, and Hannah Lawson; and her two loving dogs: Jo Jo and Shiloh.

She was a member of the Elks Lodge of Gulfport # 978, and served as past Loyal Knight. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit # 119 in Gulfport and a member of the 8/40 Salon 218 of Gulfport where she served as past Chaplain and Department President. She was a member of the Woolmarket Baptist Church.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 1907 Dunbarton Dr., Suite C, Jackson, MS 39216.

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O God our Father, Creator of all the living,
we entrust to Your gentle care
all those we love who have gone before us;
and have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again. . . .

Eternal rest, grant unto Merre'dithe, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.