Mary Louise Williams' Obituary
Mary Louise (Carter) Williams, was born to Lula Mae (Berry) Westbrook and Mr. Joe Carter, on March 1, 1929. She recently celebrated her 87th birthday. Her childhood was shared with one sister and one brother. She was educated in the Dallas Independent School District, and graduated from Lincoln High School on May 31, 1946. She continued her education at Wiley College, Marshall, TX, graduating in 1950, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. While at Wiley College, she pledged the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and has been a member over 50 years – Golden Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. On February 9, 1952, Mary united in marriage to Mr. Willard Williams, Jr., also of Dallas, TX. To that union, one son, Keith Williams, was born. In 1959, Mary and Willard, purchased their first home in the now historic Black Community of Hamilton Park neighborhood, N.E. Dallas, TX. Mary and Willard both shared a love of travel, taking annual summer road trips to the Western United States, including Canada, taking time to visit various national parks, historical sites, and taking time to visit with friends and relatives. Mary’s employment with the Dallas Independent School District began in 1961, with a teaching position at H. S. Thompson Elementary School. Her specialty was Reading and English. Later, she studied for her master’s degree at North Texas State University (NTSU), now known as the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. She received her Master of Education Degree on December 21, 1976. She was soon promoted to the position of Facilitator, and eventually Coordinator with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), whereby her duties included visiting various schools, and meeting with the respective Principals and Staff, to make certain the DISD curriculum was being followed, and to assist with, and address, any other particular concerns. However, Mary soon realized her talents were best served in the classroom, working directly with the children; retiring as a Classroom Teacher, from William Lipscomb Elementary, in May, 1986, after 25 years of service. Mary confessed Christ at an early age and united with Salem Institutional Baptist Church. She loved Salem, and was extremely active in the church; mentoring the children and young adults. She was a member of the Usher Board, President of the Widow’s Ministry, and was a Sunday School Teacher, and oversaw some of the church mentoring programs. Outside of church, she was actively involved with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Driver Safety Program, and in the past, a volunteer with the Big Brother/Big Sister Association, doing one of the things she loved, and did well – mentoring young people. Mary is preceded in death by: Her brother, Mr. Ollie Westbrook, Jr., (Sept., 1987) Her mother, Mrs. Lula Mae (Berry) Westbrook, (Sept., 1994) Beloved Husband: Mr. Willard Williams, Jr., (Feb., 1995) Survived by: Son – Keith Williams, Dallas, TX Sister – Ms. Jozelle (Carter) Townsel, Dallas, TX Long-time friend, (and Godmother to Keith) – Ms. Doris Shandy Many cousins, other relatives, and long-time friends. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, from 5pm to 7pm at Restland Funeral Home, Dallas, TX. Services will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2016, at 11am, at Salem Institutional Baptist Church, 3918 Crozier St., Dallas, TX 75215. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. In Lieu of flowers memorials/donations may be made to the Greater Dallas Chapter – Alzheimer’s Association. Online: alz.org/donate.
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