Edith Merle Hilman Mason, 95 of Raleigh, MS, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Jasper General Hospital while surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

She was born in Mineral Springs, MS on September 1, 1928, to David Lafayette and Martha Birdie Nichols. Visitation will be held Friday, June 28, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 1:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh. Burial will follow at Liberty Baptist Church cemetery. Bro. David Garner and Bro. Anthony Grayson will officiate.

Merle is survived by her devoted children, Rosalyn Glenn (Jerry); and Nichols Hillman (Martha) as well as daughter-in-law Brenda Hillman. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She was their first phone call every birthday, their biggest supporter in the bleachers and the person they could depend on in any situation.

She is survived by her grandchildren, Nick Hillman; Jennifer Cline (Chris); Dusty Hillman (Kerri); Shaina Hillman Parker (Will Sherman); Lucas Hillman; and Jacob Hillman (Jennifer). Merle was blessed to be a great-grandmother to Chyenne Hicks (Garrett); Eliza Hillman; Hunter Hillman; Hadley Hillman; Hayes Hillman; Chandler Cline; Collin Cline; Bristol Parker; Blair Parker; Camden Parker; Christian Hillman; Cason Hillman; and Bentley Hillman. She was also a great-great grandmother to John Liam Hicks.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd Hillman; husband, Howard Mason; 6 sisters; 5 brothers; and her precious son, Ted Hillman, whom she missed every single day.

Merle served as Smith County's Deputy Chancery Clerk for 39 years. After an 18-month retirement, she went to work for attorney G. David Garner for another 20 years. Merle loved her work, the people she worked with, and the citizens of Smith County. Merle was always just a phone call away to her family and friends, and her phone rang all day long. She gave wonderful advice, knew all of the latest news, and was an amazing historian.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association in memory of Merle Mason and Ted Hillman.

To view and sign online guestbook, visit www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com