Mary Ethel Williams (November 19, 1930 - July 16, 2024)

Mary Ethel Williams, born on November 19, 1930, in Webb City, passed away on July 16, 2024 in Springfield. Mary's life was an embodiment of the adage "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain." (except the dancing part).. She was a beacon of strength, a testament to the human spirit's ability to withstand and overcome life's storms.

Mary was an industrious woman who spent most of her life in her birthplace, Webb City, where she worked diligently as a line worker at Elders Shirt Factory in Joplin. She was an active member of her community, serving as the former Director of the Webb City Senior Center until her retirement in 1997, after the birth of her cherished granddaughter, Chloe. Mary's zest for life was palpable, and her hobbies reflected this. She had a deep love for the Gameshow Network, which played in her home all day long, and she thrilled at fulfilling her bucket list by going on a cruise with her daughter. Mary's cooking was the stuff of legends, particularly her pie crust and other down-home cooking. She lived by her rules and was a spirited woman who, despite her love for doing life with her sister and daughter, staunchly refused ever to set foot on a plane.

Mary was a woman whose life revolved around her family. After losing her own mother at the age of eight, she spent her life raising her sister, offering her care and support. When her children came along, Mary's focus shifted to giving them the best life she could within her means. She and her husband Vernon lived vicariously through their experiences, offering her unwavering support. Mary is survived by her children, Carol Russell, and Vernon Williams; her granddaughters, Carla (Dena) Lantz, Chloe Boone, Rylee (Isabella) Boone; a niece Connie (Mike) Baird; and special friend Brian Boone. She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon Williams; her father Leroy Williams; a sister Alice Roeber.

A visitation will be held on Monday, July 22nd, from 6-7pm at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd at 10am at the same venue. The family will have a private graveside shortly thereafter at Carterville Cemetery.

Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of their loved one, Mary Williams. Remember to celebrate Mary's life, the joy she spread, her resilience, and the love she had for her family. In doing so, we keep her spirited essence alive in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.

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