Mary Williams

Mary Jocile Williams, 93, a loving wife and mother known for her kindness and faith, passed away Feb. 8.

She will always be remembered for her generous spirit, warm smile and devotion to others.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Graham, 620 Fourth Street. Family visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday before the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bobby Williams Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church of Graham.

Mary Jo was born April 23, 1932, in Haskell County, Texas. Her parents Fannye and Abe Watson were farmers in Knox City, Texas. She grew up on the family farm, where she rode her horse Buster to school, alongside her brother Tommy on his horse. She embraced the freedom she had as a child in the country and loved to sit on the porch and listen to a soft rain or watch the birds.

Mary Jo, like her mother, was the valedictorian of her high school class.

She attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, where she was a member of the “Cowgirls,” a service organization whose members performed at football games and parades. She graduated in three years with a bachelor’s degree in education.

After graduation, she embarked on her career as a teacher and soon met Bobby Williams at church in Knox City. They were married December 30, 1953, in Knox City. They lived briefly in Amarillo, eventually settling in Graham, where Bobby worked at Stephens Trucking and Wesmore Drilling for 55 years, rising to the position of vice president. She taught elementary students for 33 years.

Mary Jo was an active volunteer in CASA and was named the North Texas volunteer of the year before she retired. She was also a member of the Graham Hospital Auxiliary and the handbell choir at church.

A lifelong Democrat who for years was an election worker in Graham, she was taught at an early age to treat all people equally and to help take care of those in need.

She was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and all they have accomplished. She was thrilled to be with her family every Christmas, and this past Christmas, the staff at The Wildcatter Ranch went above and beyond to make the celebration special.

A huge fan of the Steers, she and Bobby were regulars at Graham sporting events, and they often traveled to Keller, Austin and Seymour to cheer on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren during athletic events, plays, spelling bees, recitals and other activities. Bobby truly cherished spending time with his family. Bobby and Mary Jo also loved to travel, especially on cruises with friends. They also enjoyed going to NCAA basketball games during March Madness.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bobby, her parents, Abe and Fannye Williams, and her brother Tommy Abe.

Mary Jo is survived by her son, Chad Williams and wife, Judi, of Seymour; son, Lee Williams and wife, Helen, of Arlington; daughter, Lou Peterson and husband, Rob, of Austin; grandchildren Alex Williams of Los Angeles, Ben Williams of Austin, Walt Peterson and wife Anna Catherine of Houston, Will Peterson of Dallas, and Jamie Hernandez and husband Eric, of Seymour; great-grandchildren Tristan Shumate and wife Stephanie of Wichita Falls, Kennedy Shumate of Conroe, Austen Wallace and Tristen Wallace of Seymour; great-great grandchildren Truett, Ellis, Adelaide, Braxton, Gabriel and Olivia; niece Kim Clonts and husband Greg; and numerous other relatives.