Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 13, 1924, Merle Louise Williams was the only child of Alvin and Ethel Williams.  As a child she attended Madison Elementary School and proceeded through the Pittsburgh school system until she graduated from Schenley High School.  After completing business school, Merle moved to Washington, D.C. for a short period of time, to explore her career options.  It was after Merle returned to Pittsburgh that she and Edward W. Bailey began their relationship.  On December 2, 1954 they were married.  Together they made a very nice life for themselves, and were blessed with two daughters; Gayle and Linda.  Once her daughters were in school, Merle decided to return to work.  She had several jobs throughout her career, working for the Pittsburgh Board of Education, the Internal Revenue Service, the Veterans Hospital, and lastly the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County.  Merle and Edward lived in the home they built from 1957 to 2009 when health concerns made it necessary for them to move to Michigan to be closer to family.  After the death of her beloved Edward in 2012, she remained in Michigan until the family relocated.  She spent her final years at Sunrise of Marlboro Senior Living, in New Jersey, under the watchful and experienced personnel who provided excellent care. Sadly, on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 Merle made her final transition, moving to a place of rest and peace.  Among the many who celebrate the life of this loving, beautiful, kind, intelligent, and gracious woman are her daughters; Gayle Ragsdale (Randy), Linda Woods  (Arthur), treasured grandchildren, Jessica, Randy II, Devon, and Shanon, and last but not least, one great grandchild, Jaiden. Funeral service will be held February 26, 2020 at 2pm at Rose Funeral Home & Cremation Services.