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