Marjorie Horn Williams

She was born May 27, 1931, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the second daughter of J Will and Pearl Horn. She graduated from Baptist Hospital Nursing School and was a nurse there when she met Leonard Williams from Kannapolis, North Carolina. After many attempts, Leonard finally convinced her to go out with him and their love affair began. They married in 1955 and had four boys in Winston-Salem before Tom’s Foods moved them to Orlando in 1966. Marjorie and Leonard supported their sons’ involvement in the Boy Scouts of America and were proud that Len, John, and Michael were Eagle Scouts, and Douglas achieved the rank of Life Scout. Their support continued in the Central Florida Council with the Marjorie and Leonard Williams Boy Scout Reservation at Camp La- No- Che.

Since childhood, Marjorie spent time in Linville, North Carolina. She gave back to her favorite place and its people through her contributions to the Williams Family YMCA of Avery County and the Crossnore School of Crossnore, North Carolina. Earlier this year, Marjorie was honored with the naming of the Marjorie H. Williams Academy at the Crossnore School, a residential sanctuary for children in need in the mountains of North Carolina. Following the tragic loss of their son, Douglas, in 2003, Leonard and Marjorie donated a major gift to establish the J. Douglas Williams YMCA in Lake Mary and the Douglas Williams Executive Health Center at the University of Florida.

Since the Inaugural Season of the Orlando Magic, Marjorie rarely missed a game even while fighting cancer. As a true and loyal fan, she looked forward to every season with renewed enthusiasm. She enjoyed traveling with the team and getting to know the players.

Marjorie’s greatest joy was her family. She set an example for all of them as she courageously battled cancer with faith and humor. She exhibited beauty, Southern grace, and manners in all that she did. She was looking forward to celebrating her 60th wedding anniversary in October with her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, and friends.

Marjorie is survived by her husband of 60 years, Leonard E. Williams and her children Leonard E. Williams Jr., wife Marilyn; John Williams, wife Mary; Michael Williams, wife Jessica. Grandchildren Alexander Williams, wife Danielle; Amelia Williams McLeod, husband Collin; Thomas Williams, Sean Williams, Michael Williams Jr., and Samantha Williams; Sister Rebecca McCowen, husband Scott; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Harris.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Marjorie and Leonard Williams Boy Scout Reservation, Central Florida Council, 1951 South Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL 32703 or the Marjorie Williams Academy at the Crossnore School, P.O. Box 249, Crossnore, NC 28616.

Visitation is at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Ivanhoe Chapel; 301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando, on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 1 – 4 pm. Memorial service and reception is at the Orlando Museum of Art, 2416 N. Mills Ave, Orlando, Monday, September 21, 2015 at 4:00 pm.

Arrangements under the direction of Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Orlando, FL.