Melrose Williams Barr, 91, of Fayetteville, N.C., passed away Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Moore Regional Hospital with her son by her side.
Melrose was born in Louisiana on Jan. 31, 1932, to the late Blanche and James Whitaker. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Thomas “Tommy” Bullard, P.M. “Max” Williams Sr. and Richard “Rick” Barr; her granddaughter Layla Kamar; brothers Horace Whitaker and Herbert Whitaker; and sister Joyce Owen.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at Jernigan-Warren Chapel with the Rev. Nick Smith officiating.
Melrose’s life embodied her deep love for her family, which flourished from her four sons to 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She cherished her time raising her boys: James “Jim” Bullard (Jennifer), Clay Bullard (Marsha), Plato Williams Jr. (Marisa), and Matthew “Matt” Williams. She loved her two sisters, Betsy Samuels (Charles) and Bobbie Jean James. Melrose adored the time spent with her grandchildren: Hollie (Harrison), Kasey, Kellie (Jimmy), Jenna (Jon), Hailey (Brian), Trey, Laurin, Matthew, Madison, Wade and Luke. She was blessed to have many adoring memories with her great-grandchildren: Olivia, Kinsley, Owen, Ava Kyle, Layla, Norah Kate, Eden, Evelyn and Anthony.
She treasured her home in Fayetteville for over 52 years surrounded by family and delighted in her flower gardens that covered over 4 acres with more than 500 azaleas and hundreds of dogwoods and rhododendron trees. There, she also enjoyed bringing family together for social events, winning at blackjack, and hosting numerous birthday pool parties for all the kids.
The family would like to express deep appreciation to the many family members and friends for the love that they offered to Melrose, and to acknowledge the graceful presence of Linda and Blanche for the care they provided.
Online condolences may be sent to www.jerniganwarren.com
Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.
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