Mary Nell Williams

CLEVELAND- Mary Nell Land Williams, 81, of Cleveland passed away July 9th, 2018 at North Sunflower Medical Center.

 Funeral services are 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 12th, 2018 at Immanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Huber and Rev. Will Wilkerson officiating.  Burial will follow at New Cleveland Cemetery under the direction of Cleveland Funeral Home.  Visitation will be Thursday morning from 9-10:30 at Immanuel Baptist Church.

Mrs.  Williams was born March 24, 1937, in Lodi, MS.  She graduated from Cleveland High School in 1955 and Delta State University, BSE, University of Mississippi, MAEd, University of Southern Mississippi, Specialist.  She taught at Shaw High School and Cleveland High School, Home Economics.  After retirement, she continued to teach and direct where needed at various day cares and schools.

Mary Nell met her future husband, Jimmy Ray Williams, when she and her family moved to Cleveland when she was in the 5th grade.  They married on June 23, 1957, in Cleveland.

She was a charter member of Immanuel Baptist Church where she taught kindergarten and Sunday School.  She also attended First United Methodist with her family.  She liked to stay active traveling, sewing, making flower arrangement, playing bridge and board games.  Mary Nell loved spending time with her family and friends and at her cabin in Benoit.  She served as State President of MS Vocation Association, volunteered at Bolivar Medical Center, was a 4-H All Star, Member of Cleveland Garden Club, Woman’s Club, Civic Club, and Bolivar Homemakers.  She was the National Cherry Pie Champion from the State of MS.  She was a Delta State University supporter and lifetime alum.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Ray Williams; daughter, Leigh Anne Marquis; parents, DeWitt and Geniece Griffin Land; brother, Major Carrol P. Land; sisters, Sue Land Dear and Evelyn Land Bays.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary Margaret (Meg) Howarth and her husband Harry; Jennifer Carol LaMastus and her husband, Trent; and son-in-law, James Marquis; all of Cleveland.  Eight grandchildren, Lee Howarth (Brittany); Will Howarth (Cathy); Claire Howarth Wilson (SY); Laura Howarth Abraham (Reed); Denise Hudson (Chris); Trent LaMastus, Jr., William Tucker LaMastus, and MaryCelia Megan LaMastus. Nine great-grandchildren, Trace, Brynn and Katelyn Faith Howarth; Avery Carter and Harrison Howarth; Sam Harris and Charlotte Wilson; Strickland and Mary Grace Abraham.

Pallbearers are her nephews, Phillip Land, John Land, Grover Dear, Doug Dear, Bill Bays and Ben Bays; grandsons-in-law, SY Wilson, Chris Hudson and Reed Abraham.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church P O Box 479 Cleveland, MS 38732 and Presbyterian Day School Harry L.  Howarth Scholarship Endowment Fund 1100 W Hwy  8 Cleveland, MS 38732.

Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The on-line guest register may be viewed and signed at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net