Merilyn Williams Black

Merilyn Williams Black, 82, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025. Born in Baton Rouge on December 11, 1942, to Gerald Cire Williams and Lena Grand Williams, Merilyn lived a life defined by love, dedication, and service to others.

Merilyn attended Baton Rouge High School before pursuing her education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL), where she would meet her soulmate, A. Kelly Black. The two married on September 11, 1965, beginning a loving partnership that would span nearly 60 years. Merilyn graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in Accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant, working alongside Kelly in their accounting firm, A. Kelly Black CPA.

While Merilyn excelled in her professional life, her greatest passion was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished every moment with her loved ones. An avid traveler, Merilyn became legendary for her meticulous packing skills, never embarking on a European adventure without her trusty coffee maker, beloved coffee blend, tuna fish, Vienna sausages, and an array of other comforts that somehow fit into her famous 200-pound suitcase.

Merilyn's compassionate heart extended beyond her family. Having a sister and a grandson with Down Syndrome, she was deeply committed to supporting charities that enhanced the lives of individuals with special needs, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives. Merilyn also served for over two decades as the House Corporation Treasurer for the LSU chapter of Phi Mu sorority.

Merilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kelly; her parents, Gerald Cire Williams and Lena Grand Williams, and her siblings, Gerald (“Jeff”) Williams, Jr. and Kristy Lynn Williams.

She is survived by her two sons, Brandon Black (Blake) and Barton Black (Esther); eight cherished grandchildren, Patrick, Frances, Clayton, Adele, Evan, Kirby, Stewart, and Alex; her sisters, Jane Roussel (John) and Ava Williams Ellis; sister-in-law, LaDean Dunbar (Robert); and many special nieces and nephews who will treasure her memory.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by Funeral Liturgy. Interment will be the same day at Legion Memorial Cemetery in Newellton, Louisiana, at 4:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Patrick Black, Evan Black, Stewart Black, Alex Black, and John Roussel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Lillian Academy for special needs students in Merilyn's name or a donation to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in St. Joseph, Louisiana.