Mary Jane Williams, 88, of Tennessee, Illinois passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

Mary was born to Harry and Hilda (Lillman) Wright on July 16, 1934, in Keokuk, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Harold Williams on June 30, 1956, at the First Christian Church in Carthage. Mary attended Mercy School of Nursing in Burlington, Iowa where she earned her RN degree. She later attended Quincy University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Mary worked many years at Memorial Hospital in Carthage. She later taught nursing at Carl Sandberg College in Carthage, retiring in 2005. Mary was very passionate about the nursing profession. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Carthage, Delvers, Kiwanis, The Republican Women and served on the Hancock County Township board. Mary was very fashion conscience, she liked the “bling”, before it was ever a thing. She loved flowers and was a member of the Garden Club. She loved to read, and it can be said that she raised the IQ of anyone she was around. She never missed any of her kid’s sporting events and she loved her cats, “Robie” and “Sparky”. 

Mary is survived by her husband, Harold, three children; Michael Williams of Donnellson, Iowa, Jeffrey (Connie) Williams of Flower Mound, Texas, and Jennifer (Timothy) Soucie of Tennessee, Illinois, grandchildren; David (Cindy) Williams, Jordan Williams, Shannon (Farrel) Avants, Rusty Lynn Comer, a great granddaughter, Alexis Hanson, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Deborah in infancy, and a special Aunt and Uncle, Fred and Hazel Wright.

The Funeral service will be held at 3 PM on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Visitation will be held from 1 PM to the time of service at 3 PM on Friday, February 24, 2023. Memorials may be made out to the Carthage Kiwanis Scholarship Fund or the Carthage Public Library. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the memorials. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.