Merlin A. Williams

Merlin (“Merl”) Agatha Williams, age 84, of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on October 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, on November 22, 1940, Merl was the cherished daughter of Wilma McNaughton and Bob Williams. Her life journey took her from Jamaica to England, then to Canada, and ultimately to the United States, where she made her home in the Bronx, New York. A devoted caregiver, Merl worked as a home health aide for over two decades, offering compassion and support to elderly patients. In 1991, she relocated to West Palm Beach, continuing her nurturing spirit by babysitting for family and friends while remaining a full-time homemaker. 

Merl met the love of her life, Clement Williams, in 1956 at Dairy Farmers in Kingston, Jamaica. Their romance began with a simple walk past a window and blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Every day she would walk past the window of Clement’s job, where he admired her beauty. One day, he finally gathered the courage to ask her out on a date—their first being for ice cream. Over the years, their friendship blossomed into a deep and lasting love that endured across the Atlantic Ocean. Eager to begin their new life together, Clement moved to New York, and the two were married on January 9, 1971, in the Bronx, New York and shared 54 beautiful years together. 

Merl is survived by her beloved husband, Clement Williams; her children, Terrence Tuck, Novella Williams, and Nadia Nickerson; her five grandchildren, Dondre Tuck, Tatiana Tuck, Christopher Tuck, Isaiah Nickerson, and Noah Nickerson; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Tuck; and her son-in-law, Chaka Nickerson. Merl will be remembered for her green thumb and her love of gardening—especially her orchids, which flourished under her care. Her strength, determination, and unwavering love for her family were the hallmarks of her life. Merl’s presence brightened every space she entered. Her warmth, laughter, determination and nurturing heart will forever remain in the memories of all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, resilience, and devotion—a life truly well lived.

Well done, good and faithful servant – Matthews 25:23

A celebration of life will be held, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 12:00 pm at Tillman Funeral Home located at 2170 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33415.

Cards and flowers will be accepted at Tillman Funeral Home. The family will have a public visitation from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Service will follow. Light refreshments will be served.