ESTHER MAE WILLIAMS

SIKESTON -- Esther Mae Williams, 74, of Sikeston died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2000, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

She was born Sept. 27, 1925, in Shuqulak, Miss., daughter of Tolly and Esther Parker Hyde. She and Abe Williams Sr. were married Dec. 13, 1942. He died in 1954.

She had lived in Missouri for more than 45 years and was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include four sons, Abe Williams of Haywood City; Justin Williams and Desmin Williams of the home, and Eugene Williams of Sikeston; eight daughters, Betty West of Atlanta, Laura Russell of St. Charles, Nancy Williams of St. Louis, Linda Williams of Haywood City, Mamie Williams of the home, Bernice West, Catina Williams and Tabitha Williams, all of Sikeston; four sisters, Vera Hyde, Lucy Willie Hyde and Icalola Hyde, both of St. Louis and Josie Mae Perkins of Sheffield, Ala.; two brothers, Booker T. Hyde and Tolly Hyde Jr., both of St. Louis; 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son and daughter.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the New Morningstar Baptists Church in Haywood City.

Funeral will be at noon Sunday at the church with the Rev. Alex Sims officiating. Burial will be in the Haywood City Cemetery.

Williams-Farr and Purnell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.