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Barbara Ann Williams
IN LOVING MEMORY

Barbara Ann Williams

January 17, 1950 – January 10, 2021

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A LIFE REMEMBERED

Obituary

Barbara Ann Williams, former educator of 39 years, peacefully passed away on the morning of Sunday, January 10, 2021. She was 70 years old. Barbara was born January 17, 1950 to Jimmy Warfield and Viola White in Helena, Arkansas. She was the second born of eight siblings. She confessed a hope in Christ early in life at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Helena, AR. Rev. A.L. Woodson was the presiding pastor. She was a life-long dedicated member of Zion Hill. She served as a Primary Sunday School teacher, a member of the Usher Board, she helped manage the Youth Department, as well as serving as the Adult Sunday School Secretary. Her love for God was seen in her daily walk of life. From an early age Barbara knew she wanted to become a teacher. After graduating from Eliza Miller High in 1968, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Philander Smith College, in Little Rock Arkansas. While attending Philander she served as a Sophomore Class officer as well as being nominated as Miss Sophomore 1970. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she began her educational career with Lakeview School District No.25, Barton School District, and with the Helena-West Helena School District. She was known to be a trustworthy and dedicated employee, a kind-hearted and dependable colleague, and above all she was known to be one of the sweetest teachers a student could have. Her expertise was not limited to just academics, she showed all her students that she truly loved them, which helped to instill in them a love for learning. As much as Barbara loved church and teaching, she loved her family unconditionally. Affectionately known as “Bob” she shared a special relationship with each sibling in her own loving way. There was nothing that could be asked of her, that she would not do.  She treated her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. Barbara was blessed with one daughter, whom she loved to no end. Some would often refer to her daughter as, “her shadow”. The bond the two shared could never be replaced. Barbara A. Williams was preceded in death by both of her parents, Jimmy Warfield, and Viola Murry. Her grandmother; Rodella White; her beloved aunts; Hazel Nelson and Florida Cunningham (Joe). Uncles; Jake White and Samuel “Pete” White, Robert White Jr.  ”T.D.”, and Thomas White. Her nephew; Jimmy “Little Jimmy” Madison. She leaves behind her only child, Kimberly Williams (Letonio) two grandchildren, Brennan and Brooke Warren; four sisters, Doris Jean Daniel (Curtis), Linda Sims (Melvin), Sheletha Simpson (Al Terry), and Norma Bell. Two brothers; Ives Murry and Leonard ”Van” Murry (Rhonda). A special cousin Sheron Nelson and two uncles, Napoleon White, and Joseph “Papa” White, her best friend Julie Miller-Thomas, her loving caregivers; Pamela Barrow, Leena Wilburn, Carletta Scoggins, and Jeannette Willie. She leaves her nieces Dawn McFarlin and DeShawn Reed, Donna Phillips (Joseph), Yolanda Simpson, London Murry, and Breanna Cannon. Her nephews, Melvin Sims Jr., AL Terry “A.T.” Simpson II (Andrea), and Quentin J. Murry.
REMEMBERING TOGETHER

Memories & condolences

Condolences to your family. Continue to pray in gods preparation for all things to endure. Bless you!

Eugene Wilson

My condolences to the family. RIP Barbara! Your classmate 68’ Jo Ann Hayes Alexander

Jo Ann Alexander

Mrs B Williams is what we would call her I can remember being in her 4th grade class at west side elementary. She was a great educator she actually cared for all of us. I was a hand full but she never gave up on me. She would push me to be better & do better each day. She was so meek & always kept a smile on her face. Mrs. B Williams would always tell us about her daughter Kim who was the center of her Joy. I can remember she had this unique tiny hole in the top of her forehead that she showed us. ???????????????????????? Praying for the family ......she was truly a Jewel.

Nakeia Covington

My condolences to you and family.

Brenda & Charlie Neal

I am blessed to have known “Bob,” and to have shared many memorable “brother-sister” (no in-laws) moments with her.? I will miss that funny laugh & her caring heart. Whenever I think of Bob, I’ll smile because I know that she’s with God & I will hear her saying, “Ahhh, Terry.” RIP, Bob.

Al Terry

LOVE, LOVE & more LOVE! ~Your Sister-Sister (Sisters by Brownie & Sisters by God)

Letha

Love you Bob!

A friend

Sorry for your loss.

Lenora Ross (BoBo)

“Bob” As we went through old family pictures the other night, every time I saw my aunt, all I found myself saying was “Bob...” My aunt Bob was so sweet. She was loving, kind, caring and patient. I remember us always chilling together over my granny’s house or just going to Walmart, or Wendy’s or Memphis to the mall, anywhere in the 1000. Spending time together was something that we always did at Granny’s. Everyone came by there. Granny is no longer here and this pain feels a lot like that time. In remembering my aunt I want to say that she is one of the major reasons that I became an educator. Growing up, I remember going to summer school with her and Kim and my lil brother every day, every summer! I got first hand experience at what it took to be a “teacher,” and still chose it as my profession. It delighted my heart to be able to talk to my aunt and cousin, Kim, about the woes and the joys of teaching. WE could go!!! Kim and I finally understood what she was saying so many years ago. “Bob” taught Sunday school, vacation Bible school, she was on the usher board... She loved serving the Lord and helping people. I marvel in all of her accomplishments and I truly hope that she is proud of the young woman and teacher that I have become. She truly planted those seeds in me, long ago. I LOVE YOU, BOB!!!! HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!! Every time I watch a Tyler Perry movie, play, or tv show, I know you’ll be there laughing with me. Love always, Landa

Yolanda Simpson

To the world\'s best Teacher, Aunt and Friend: We will always love you Bob. In life, you definitely bowled a perfect game!

AT, Andrea, Jimmie

To The Williams Family I am sending my deepest sympathy at this difficult time. I use to work with Ms.B. Williams during the time she taught at Westside School, MS.B. was a soft spoken person who cared about her students learning she was a beautiful person always willing to help others, and she always had that beautiful smile when you saw her. She will be miss by many Heaven has gained a Angel. From: FerryTribune , Sandra Tyler of Conway, ARK

Sandra Tyler

This one is really hard. I keep saying that if I don’t talk about it or think about it that maybe I’ll wake up and it won’t be true. But today is the day...and I/we have to lay my sweet beautiful sister to rest. Bob instilled in me my love for reading...bought me my first book and enrolled me in my first book club. I would beg her to spend the night and she would but only if I read to her. When I was born she was the sibling that took time with me...and as I grew she always took me with her. When she combed my hair I knew we were going somewhere. Spending the night with you, going to the drive in movie, weekends in Little Rock...you were the BEST! I’m so grateful that I got to say thank you! You helped me to be the person I am and you helped with Breanna...all those summers she spent with you and Kim. In all my years, I’ve never heard an unkind word pass your lips. You always said ‘Norma as long as I have a house you have a place and you’re always welcome.’ When I was rushed to the hospital in 2008 and you left in the middle of class because Breanna called and said she needed you. You, Ives and Kimmy came. I was in for a week and you stayed ...no extra clothes or nothing...because your baby sister needed you. There is not a time in my life that I’ve not been able to depend on you or come to you when I just need to talk. Yes, this day is hard. But because I know your walk with God, I know you are just fine. Yes, this day is hard but you touched SO MANY lives and were a blessing to everyone you met. Yes, this day is hard...my stomach is in knots and this nauseous feeling won’t leave...but I’m going to try to be strong...for you, for Kimmy...I’m going to try. I will miss you but I have so many beautiful memories...I can hear your voice now saying Norma Jean...I love you forever!???? THIS DAY IS HARD!!!

Norma

Rest In Peace My Beautiful Queen/ Teacher!!!??

Tracy Brown Williams Coney

To the family: You have my deepest Sympathy . May God hold you close, comfort you and carry you through. God Bless and Keep you in His Care. Greathel Lockridge Bowdery and the Lockridge Family.

Greathel Bowdery

To the family: You have my deepest Sympathy . May God hold you close, comfort you and carry you through. God Bless and Keep you in His Care. Greathel Lockridge Bowdery and the Lockridge Family.

Greathel Bowdery

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