Mari Van Katwyk Williams

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, December 3, 2014

    Memorial services for Mari Van Katwyk Williams will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Northcrest Baptist Church with Bro. Paul Davis, Associate Pastor, officiating.

    Mrs. Van Katwyk Williams, 84, of Meridian, passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014 at her home. Mrs. Van Katwyk Williams was born on Jan. 26, 1930, in Barry, County of Glamorgan, Wales. She met her husband, W.O. Williams, during his military service in London during World War II. After the birth of their first child, in England, they moved to Vicksburg, and later to Meridian where they made their home. Mari, a loving mother of eighteen children, had many interests. She loved spending her time painting, crocheting, and knitting. But her main passion was animals. She was a proud animal activist. Her love for all creatures, big and small, will be a loving memory for all who knew her.

    Survivors include her daughters: Phyllis of Grammer, Kan., Suzanne (Rick) of Vetsch, Neb., Maria (Mike) Hayes of Quitman, Angela (Eddie) Odom of Meridian, Annette (Mark) Bishop of Collinsville, Heather (Greg) Daniels of Meridian, Gwyn (Vince) Williams of Big Sandy, Texas, Davida (Daniel) Arledge of Meridian, Danielle Williams of Gettysburg, Pa; sons: Tony Williams of Texas, Paul Willliams of Omaha, Neb., Sean (Sandra) Williams of Meridian; Timothy Williams of Houston, Texas, Richard (Mary) Williams of Meridian, George (Kay) Williams of Meridian; grandchildren: Theresa Belvin, Misty Parker, Sarah Vercher, David Bynum, Shane Arledge, Luke and Cody Williams, Tammy Williams, Ricky Williams, Christopher and Daniel Williams, Jessica Lewis and Troy Williams; great grandchildren: Madalyn Cozart, Joel Parker, Alexander Irby and numerous others.

    Mrs. Van Katwyk Williams was preceded in death by her husband, W.O. Williams; sons, Phillip Williams, Shane Williams, Dominic Williams and grandson, Steven Belvin.

    In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation to be made to ASPCA, Lauderdale County Animal Control, East MS Animal Rescue (EMAR) or an animal charity of your choice.

    Millling Funeral Home of Union is in charge of the arrangements.