Merle L. Williams

Merle Elizabeth (Lank) Williams, age 94, died peacefully on February 14, 2025, at The Atrium in Allentown, PA, where she resided after living in Kennett Square, PA, for 67 years. She was the spouse of the late Charles (Richie) Williams, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Seaford, DE, she was the daughter of the late William A. Lank and the late Mary (Hollis) Lank. 

Merle spent her early childhood years in Philadelphia, moving later to Bloomsburg, PA, where she graduated from high school and went on to the University of Delaware where she graduated with a BA in Education. Merle taught first grade in Seaford, DE, and Kennett Square, PA. Although she retired from teaching to raise her children, her passion for teaching stayed with her for her entire life. 

Merle helped found the Kennett Area Senior Center where she was the first Co-Director. She worked for many years for Drs. McKinstry and Hoobler at their family practice. She was an avid gardener and a member of the Kennett Garden Club, a Brownie leader, and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. 

She enjoyed playing Bridge and Pinochle and later in life enjoyed watching the Phillies, Eagles and Villanova Wildcats. 

She was a natural storyteller with an amazing memory and captivated her family and friends with stories from long ago as if they happened yesterday. 

Merle is survived by her children, Roger Williams (Denise) of Macungie, PA; Bruce Williams (Barb) of Gibsonia, PA; Karen Williams of West Chester, PA; Ellen Drexler (Brad) of Allentown, PA; Debra Jones of Brandamore, PA; and Paige Evans (Dave) of Lancaster, PA; her grandchildren, Eric Williams, Shannon Williams, Jason Williams, Meghan Rose, Tyler Williams, Kaitlin Hoffman, Alison McKane, Austin Jones, Jennifer Jones, Zachary Evans, Meredith Evans, Haley Evans, Jared Krah, and Bryce Krah; her great-grandchildren, Claire, June, Bailey, Lucas, Carter, Chloe, Noah, Isabelle, Amelia, Anthony, Sullivan and Tatum. 

You are invited to visit with Merle’s family and friends from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Monday, February 24, 2025, at Kennett Square Golf and Country Club 100 East Locust Lane Kennett Square, PA 19348. Merle’s life celebration memorial service will be at 11:30 AM with a reception to follow. Interment will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you share an act of kindness in Merle’s memory or make a contribution to the charity of your choice. 

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Merle’s online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.