Merkle Dobbins was born on October 19, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, to Merkle Dobbins and the late Laura Etta Winn Jackson.

He departed this life on May 16, 2026. Merkle was preceded in death by two siblings, Dariah Elaine Winn and Curtis O'Neal Jackson Jr. III.

Merkle leaves to cherish his memory his son, Demorri Jones; one grandchild, Nova Jones of Saint Cloud, Florida; three sisters, Linda Joyce (Ervin) Bullock of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Gwendolyn Jackson of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Laura Hubbard of Gulfport, Mississippi; four brothers, Robert Winn of Jackson, Mississippi, Mark (Brenda) Winn of Pinola, Mississippi, John Jackson of Magee, Mississippi, and Tony (Crystal) Jackson of Clarksville, Tennessee; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

"For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7