Leona Williams

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Leona Mae Williams, 99, of Perryville passed away Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, at the home of a daughter and son-in-law, Cathe and Bill Lewis in Perryvillle. Before moving to Perryville she resided in Springfield, Ill.

She was born June 8, 1911, in New Amsterdam, Ind., daughter of Griff and Lois Shuck Brown. She and J. Earle Williams were married July 5, 1932, in Lincoln, Ill. He passed away Sept. 22, 2000, at the age of 97.

Williams was a former member of Little Flower Catholic Church and the Garden Club of Springfield, and was selected as "Mother of the Year" in 1942. She enjoyed growing flowers and trees as well as watching the birds and squirrels at her feeders. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed the daily newspaper.

Survivors include four daughters, Earlona (Vincent) Looby and Annette Nelson of Springfield, Joan (Gene) Bishop of Rio Rancho, N.M., Cathe (Bill) Lewis of Perryville; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; six stepgrandchildren; and three great-stepgrandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dorothy Brown Kribbs; a brother, Eugene Brown; and a son-in-law, Charles Nelson Jr.

Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Virden City Cemetery in Virden, Ill., with the Rev. Michael Kuse officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or Southeast Hospice in Cape Girardeau.

Young and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.