She enjoyed sewing, embroidering, and making quilts Ada Juanita Williams, daughter of Rex and Gertrude (McDonald) Reed, was born Oct. 29, 1920, in Ada, Okla. She departed this life Sunday, April 22, 2007, in Delmar Gardens on the Green, in Chesterfield, Mo., at the age of 86.
On Nov. 19, 1937, she was united in marriage to Ralph Van Williams Sr., and to this union three sons and three daughters were born.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Van, on Aug. 5, 2006; her parents; a step-grandson, Travis Query; two brothers, Elzie and Bill Reed; and four sisters, Alta Hodges, Billie Reed, Vinita Tallman, and Sylvia Simmons.
Juanita is survived by three sons, Philip Williams, and his wife, Leota, of Warsaw, Stephen Williams, and his wife, Sherry, of Springfield, Van Williams Jr. and his wife, Debra, of West Plains; three daughters, Carol Merritt and her husband, Homer, of Sparta, Donna Green and her husband, Bill, of Sikeston, and Trudy Williams, of Ballwin; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a brother, Merle Reed, and his wife, Willie, of Ada, Okla.; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in Ada, Okla. She met and married Van and they started their family in Mansfield and then moved to Erie, Kan. They also lived in Bradleyville, Ava, and later moved to Ozark.
Juanita had made her profession of faith in Christ and was affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene.
In her spare time she enjoyed sewing, embroidering, and making beautiful quilts. She also loved cooking wonderful meals for her family.
Juanita was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today (Thursday) in Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Mansfield, with the Rev. Van Williams Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery.
