Mary Williams, age 99, went to heaven on December 12, 2021.  Born Nov. 11, 1922 and raised in Raceland, Louisiana, she graduated high school as valedictorian at age 16 and attended college on a 4 year scholarship.  Mary met John in Washington DC while working the summer for the Navy as a decoder.  She and John married after the war and lived in Springfield for most of their life together.  Mary was a part-time English teacher at then SMS for over 20 years.  She had been a long-time  member of St. Mary's Guild and the Altar Guild at Christ Episcopal Church,  Chapter FT of P.E.O.,  and Southern Club.  She served on the MO Mansion State Board for 10 years and volunteered for the Springfield Convention and Visitor Bureau for over 30 years.  She was an avid reader, Bridge player, supported the Springfield Regional Opera and took up Yoga and Ballroom Dancing at age 89.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John W. Williams, III, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.  She is survived by son Dr. John W. Williams, IV and wife Shirley of Springfield, MO; James R. Williams and wife Linda of Kearney, NE; grandchildren Chris, Kalee, Sarin, John, Matthew and Jessica; great-grandchildren Lila, Huxley and Deacon as well as many nieces, nephews, other close family and dear friends.

Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at 10:30 am on Dec. 29, 2021 with Father Mark  Ohlemeier officiating preceded by a family burial at Hazelwood Cemetery under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Guild at Christ Episcopal Church, the Springfield Regional Opera, and Chapter FT of P.E.O. for supported projects.

Due to current health considerations there will be no visitation or receiving line.  Christ Episcopal Church does not place flowers in the sanctuary.