Marilyn Joann Williams

Marilyn Joann Williams, 83, resident of Charleston, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in the comfort of her home. She was born January 11, 1943 in Lexington, Missouri to the late Fredrick and Zella Josephene Williams.

She met and fell in love with Charles R. Williams. They were united in love September 1, 1963, and shared over 54 years together before his passing.

The Williams moved to Charleston, Missouri in 1966 and would eventually buy Sparks Funeral Home, and with the help of others, purchased Williams-Farr & Purnell Funeral Homes in Howardville and Sikeston. Marilyn, a licensed cosmetologist, who studied at Madam C.J. Walker Schools of Beauty Culture, worked alongside her husband for decades.

In 1972, she began working with the University of Missouri, Columbia Extension as a Youth Education Assistant for Mississippi County. Mrs. Marilyn was instrumental in the establishment and development of a 4-H program teaching life skills to many youth, ranging in age from five to 19 until her retirement after over 40 years.

Mrs. Marilyn leaves to cherish so many great memories, three children, Charles Richard Williams, Jr. and Monica (Leon) Brown, Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri and Stephanie Williams Crawford of Charleston, Missouri, one sister, Frances (Loren) Cornish of Peoria, Illinois, one sister-in-law, Lola Williams of Marshall, Missouri, four grandchildren, Anthony Crawford, Jr. and Le’Niya Brown of St. Louis, Missouri and Marissa Joann Crawford and Isaiah Williams of Charleston, Missouri, the Williams Funeral Home family, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, friends, and an entire community

A visitation will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Williams Funeral Chapel from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Friends may call Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, Missouri. Interment will immediately follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston with the Williams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. A balloon release will be held during “The Gospel Hour” at 9:00 A.M. Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Oak Grove Cemetery.