Martha Ann Williams' Obituary
Martha Ann Williams (King) of Garland, TX passed away October 10, 2023, at the age of 90. She was born on April 13,1933 to parents Mildred and Charlie King of Sachse, TX and later lived in Garland for 71 years. Martha attended grade school in the Garland ISD and graduated from Garland High School where she was a proud member of the original Dashing Debs drill team and was awarded the honor of Valedictorian in her class of 1950. Her parents were early pioneers in the area and were owners and operators of the Murphy Grocery for 15 years.
Upon graduation, Martha began work at the Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in downtown Dallas, responsible for inventory management in the new parts depot building. Following maternity leave for the birth of her first child, Ben, she went to work for The Dallas Morning News reporting directly to the editor, Ted Dealey. After the birth of her second child, Barry, she embarked on a successful career in textiles which would span over 32 years, ultimately retiring in 1995 from West Point Pepperell Stevens as an account business development manager. Soon after retirement, Martha was recruited to work as an office manager for her close friend’s real estate company, The Aston Co, where she enjoyed working until she was 88 years old. All the money she made at this job was given away in the form of Christmas gifts for family, friends, and donations to multiple worthy charities.
Throughout her entire life, Martha had a strong commitment to her faith and devoted much of her time to the church having been a member of the Sachse Christian Church and East Dallas Christian Church. In 1968, to provide a richer Christian experience for her two young sons, they joined the First Christian Church Garland where she was a member for 55 years. Here she held many leadership roles and positions in the church while also enjoying singing in the choir until she was 89 years old. She was also active in the Disciples Women’s Ministry where she also held many positions of leadership. Martha also served on the Board of Directors for Juliette Fowler Communities, a Disciples of Christ non-profit affiliation which serves the intergenerational needs of children and the elderly. Martha also enjoyed traveling and was able to experience the world with her husband and many close friends and relatives.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents Mildred and Charlie King, her loving husband Billy Ben Williams, and brother Charles Michael King. She is survived by her son Ben Williams and wife Mary of Fairview TX and son Barry Williams and wife Tammy of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by her grandson Austin Williams of New York, NY, granddaughter Chandler Williams of San Rafael, CA and sister Donna King Hurley and husband Marcus Hurley of Frisco, TX.
A visitation will be held at 6:00 PM Friday, October 20, 2023, at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2023, at First Christian Church Garland, 115 S. Glenbrook Dr., Garland, TX.
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