"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Jesus Christ is the greatest example of unconditional love. The closest thing to Him, our family has ever known, came into this world on July 13, 1973, when Merlon Tye Williamson was born to Reverend D.P. "Doc" Williamson and Sybil Williamson. He was born at Jones County Community Hospital, Laurel, Mississippi; Tye was 51 years old, the youngest of five children. He was an active member of Mt. Zion Methodist Church and Franklin Methodist Church.

Shortly after midnight, June 4". Tye entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Tye graduated from West Jones High School in 1992. He was a devoted employee of Midd-Laurel Industries and Shirley's Discount Center. His passions in life included music, especially hymns. WWE wrestling, and his beloved West Jones Mustangs. Tye's greatest passion was loving on his family and friends. He was always the life of the party and full of joy. He never met a stranger and loved everyone he met. He was a regular participant in the Special Olympics, ARC, Tim Tebow Foundation's Night to Shine, and Joni & Friends events.

Tye's success in life was largely due to his parents' active devotion to his education and inclusivity. Doc and Sybil taught Tye how to live life to the fullest. He always saw the best in people. What an amazing legacy he has left us all!

Tye was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend D.P. Williamson and Sybil Chisolm Williamson.

He is survived by his siblings: brother, Dal Williamson (Cindy); three sisters, Gay Robertson (Danny): Joy Craig (Jeff); Lyn Sherman (Richard); nieces, Lane Staines (Scott); Day Gibbes. (Gregg); nephews, Jarrod Hare (Nikki); Josh Hare; Blake Sherman (Brittany); Cade Sherman (Dianna); Matt Sherman (Khaki); two step nieces, Courtney Craig and Heather Craig, and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers include Blake Sherman, Cade Sherman, Matt Sherman, Scott Staines, Gregg Gibbes, and Mike Ruffin. Visitation, funeral, and graveside service will be held at Mt. Zion Methodist Church on Sunday, June 8th. Visitation will begin at 1:30, followed by the service at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Justin Holifield will officiate the services.

The family wishes to extend their utmost appreciation to Shirley's Discount Center, Midd-Laurel Industries, Ellisville State School, and First Avenue Group Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tye's memory to the ARC of Jones County or West Jones High School, Special Education Department and LOVE IN ACTION.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of the arrangements.