Merelyn Mae Knott Williams, fondly known as Punkin to her nearest and dearest, passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2018 in Pensacola, Florida. She was born in her grandmother’s home on Government Street in downtown Pensacola on January 2, 1934.
Punkin was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She invited anyone and everyone into her world with open arms. Her 84 years of life were filled with love, generosity and a deep appreciation for her family and friends. For many years on New Year’s Day, you could find her hosting a gumbo feast at her home on Bayou Chico. All were welcome and left well-fed. She so loved the Christmas season that she left her tree up year-round and decorated it for each holiday. Her Mardi Gras tree was a fan favorite.
Punkin was a 1952 graduate of Pensacola High School, worked as a K-Mart manager for 30 years, and after retirement, she could be found at Joe Patti’s Seafood running the deli. Several times she tried to retire again, and each time, she’d get a visit from Frank Patti asking her to come back. On many of those returns, she would call out the numbers for the patrons waiting to pick up some of Patti’s famous seafood. As of this past March, she was still going in to the market regularly to assist in whatever way she could. Her commitment to everything she set her mind to was devout and steadfast.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Gracie Lou Raines Spellman and W.P. “Hank” Spellman, and her sister, Betty Jean Uzdevenes
Punkin leaves many relatives and friends behind to cherish her memory, including her son, Donald Skipper Jr.; her granddaughter, Gabby Skipper; her sister, Susie (Fred) Donovan; many nieces, nephews and cousins; her most special niece, Linda Glasgow Thompson of Bowie, TX; and her favorite shrimp boat captain, Jeff Clopton, the love of her life for the past 36 years.
A visitation will be held Friday, October 12, 2018, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Trahan Family Funeral Home in Pensacola. Her service will be Saturday, October 13, 2018, 11:00 a.m.
The family wishes to thank the medical team at Baptist Hospital, the caring staff of Covenant Care hospice at Sacred Heart Hospital, and the brothers and sisters of Jeff Clopton, who tirelessly gave of themselves to comfort Punkin in her later years and final days.
In remembrance of Merelyn Williams, please spread kindness, generosity and love in her name to anyone you meet. She would have done the same and would have loved to see her legacy live on.

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