Mary Lou Williams

Mary Lou Williams was born in Farmersville, Alabama on December 14, 1934, to the late James and Bessie Catts Smith. She was one of seven children. In 1947 she and her family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from South High School in 1953.

Mary was united in holy matrimony to Lafayette Williams on June 27th, 1953. To this union three children were born: Deborah, Pamela, and Loretta. Mary and Lafayette raised their children together sharing joys and sorrows which strengthened their bond of matrimony. Mary worked as a housekeeper for most of her life. She was a loyal, trustworthy, and dedicated employee. After being employed for many years, she retired in 1997 to care for her husband whose health was failing.

In her later years she made the decision to join Balm and Gilead Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful and active member. She served on the Mother's Board and participated in other church activities up until her illness. She exemplified what a true Christian should strive to be. Mary was always willing to help those in need. She was a devoted wife and she set the bar for being an outstanding mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Mary adored her husband, daughters, and grandchildren with whom she enjoyed spending quality time with. She and her daughters would often get together to go shopping which sometimes included an occasional bus trip out of town. Saturdays was a special day for her when she and her daughters would meet to watch movies, have fun, share laughs, and a good home cooked meal.

Mary departed this life on Sunday, January 15, 2023. She was preceded in death by both her parents James and Bessie Smith; husband Lafayette Williams; one daughter Pamela Lockett; and one sister Rose Lee Crawford.

Mary Williams leaves to mourn and treasure her precious memory, two daughters Deborah and Loretta Williams; one grandson Bryan Lockett, two great grandchildren Amariah and Bryan Lockett, Jr.; three sisters; Bessie Mae Smith; Hattie Mae Johnson; Gertrude Hite; and two brothers William James Smith and Robert Lee Hayes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.