martha ann (jones) williams
Our “Meme”
celebrated every day of her life loving people and loving the Lord! An
educator by profession, she graduated from Louisiana Tech in Ruston,
Louisiana. There she served as President of Kappa Delta, was selected
as a Beauty and was honored in Who’s Who. She continued her education
at Louisiana State University earning a Masters 30 Plus. She was a
Fourth Grade teacher in Atlanta, Georgia at Westminister. She taught at
Villa del Rey in Baton Rouge, Louisiana before becoming Principal
there, serving 25 years. Meme believed that everyone should serve the
Lord. After all, He was the source of all blessings. She served as
Girl’s Auxiliary & Sunbeam Director. She taught Sunday School,
Vacation Bible School and served as a Deacon. She worked in the jewelry
booth for The Marketplace, she was The Pocket Lady for Bibleland and
she challenged Goliath to a pillow fight for The Encounter. She mended
clothes for Sonshine Connection and was its biggest cheerleader. Martha
Ann’s lifetime of service at church spanned First Baptist Arcadia,
Louisiana; Emmanuel Baptist, Alexandria, Louisiana; First Baptist in
Savannah, Georgia; Second Ponce de Leon in Atlanta, Georgia; Broadmoor
Baptist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Prairie Creek Baptist in Plano,
Texas. She loved making friends through her numerous activities. She
was a member of Kappa Delta Diamond Circle, Regent of Daughters of
American Revolution, member of Alpha Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma,
Revelers Dance Club, Bal Masque, Women’s Club of Baton Rouge, &
several other clubs. She traveled the world but loved her home the
best. She loved to square dance with her husband Tubby. Martha Ann was
born on October 22, 1917 in Arcadia, Louisiana. Her parents were Mary
Arva Smitherman Jones and Howell Davidson Jones. Her siblings are
Howell Davidson Jones, Jr., Rachael Pullig, Marilyn Howard, and infant
sister Evelyn Jones. Family was all important. "Auntie" loved her
nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. She had fifty-five
first cousins and throughout her life kept in touch with each one.
Martha Ann married her sweetheart “Tubby” Henry Malone Williams of
Homer, Louisiana on June 12, 1940. Tubby enlisted in the Coast Guard,
trained under Jack Dempsey, and served in Savannah, Georgia guarding
the Port of Savannah during World War II. Their daughter, Ann, was born
on Victory over Japan Day. They lived in Alexandria, Louisiana then
Atlanta, Georgia where their son, Malone, was born. Loving Atlanta, but
homesick for family, they packed up for Baton Rouge where they lived
for the next 42 years. Her family in heaven is celebrating her arrival.
Her parents, her husband, her sisters Rachael and infant Evelyn, her
brother H.D. Jones, brothers-in-law Jack Pullig and John Howard
preceded her. She has a daughter Ann Williams Hamic &
son-in-law Jim Hamic of Plano, TX and a son H. Malone Williams, Jr. and
daughter-in-law Rachel Watt Williams of Richmond, VA. Her grandchildren
are Kim Hamic Skaggs & David Skaggs, Jimmy Hamic &
Jamie Young Hamic, and Rachel Williams Ellis & Christopher
Ellis. Her great grandchildren are Kyle Skaggs, Mark Skaggs, Madeline
Hamic, Trinity Hamic, Charis Hamic, Serenity Hamic, and Silver Hamic.
She considered her children, her grandchildren, and her
great-grandchildren miracles. She encouraged each family member to
strive for excellence and serve the Lord. She loved to entertain family
and friends. (We hope the Lord finished polishing the silver before she
arrived because Edna Welch has retired !!) Beginning in 2001, she
resided with her daughter & son-in-law in Plano, Texas until
she broke a hip in early 2004. She was assisted at Day Spring,
EdenBrook, & Weismer House where her life was blessed with
kindness and love from family, friends, nurses, & caregivers.
She enjoyed Bible Study, Red Hat Club (if it had a program), Craft
Fairs, luncheons at Neiman Marcus, and Tea Time. Still loving parties,
she hosted Sunday School parties in her home in Plano; residents from
EdenBrook were treated to a Princess Party, a “Fancy Nancy” Party, and
Christmas Parties there. As one lady said, “She invited the whole bus!”
She entertained at her assisted living in their special dining room.
She hosted an Engagement Luncheon for Rachel & Chris and
“Meme’s Christmas Party” for the entire family. Her Pinkalicious Party
marked a very special occasion, her 90th birthday! Then at 91, the boys
demonstrated the book Principal from the Black Lagoon. She thought it
was hilarious! At 92, Meme and her party were “Magical”! Faithful
friends from her new church were frequent visitors. Helping her
entertain were her great grandsons. They put on magic shows, read Jesus
stories, performed Karate demonstrations, puppet shows, talent shows,
and Howdy Doody mysteries to the delight of the residents. Meme was so
proud of them as “official volunteers.” The great granddaughters were
called into action when they visited her. Their singing Christmas
program was especially precious to Meme. She called all her great
grandchildren “Miracles” (which they are). Meme found “Louisiana” and
“Tiger” connections wherever she went – Sunday School friends, Doctors,
DaySpring volunteers, & EdenBrook residents and care givers.
She loved life and loved meeting new friends. She delighted everyone
with her deep Southern accent and Southern Belle charm. We were blessed
by her life. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 30, 2010,
at 11:00 a.m. at Prairie Creek Baptist Church in Plano, TX with Rev.
Charles McCleod, Rev. Jimmy Hamic, and Mr. Don Howard officiating. The
family will receive friends during a visitation on Thursday evening
from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home,
Allen, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday,
May 1, 2010, at Arcadia City Cemetery, Arcadia, LA. In lieu of flowers
please consider donations to: Louisiana Children’s Home; PO Box 4196;
Monroe, LA 71211-9986, Prairie Creek Baptist Church, 3201 W 15th St.,
Plano, TX 75075, or Broadmoor Baptist Church; 9755 Goodwood Blvd; Baton
Rouge, LA 70815