Barbara Marie (Bendure) Williams was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 13, 1938, the oldest of three siblings to Francis Marie (Byrd) and Cloyce Kenneth Bendure. She would go on to live nearly all of her 82 years in and around Cameron, Missouri. She went to be with her Lord on August 29, 2020, in Liberty, MO. Barb was many things: devout Christian, loyal sister, beloved mother, and doting grandmother and great-grandmother.
Barb married her husband of 62 years, Gary Thomas Williams on March 21, 1959, and moved to California during Gary’s service in the U.S. Air Force. After a few years, they moved back to North Kansas City and eventually to Cameron. She became a mother to Dennis, Darryl, and Doug, and considered raising three boys one of her greatest achievements and honors.
Barb graduated high school in North Kansas City in 1956 and attended Northwest Missouri State College for two years. She was a homemaker for several years before working at Cameron R-I School District as a cook and a paraprofessional for over two decades. She was a dedicated Baptist that was active in her church, First Baptist Church of Cameron. She served in several areas including youth group, vacation bible school, and the church kitchen. Her willingness to step up and serve the Lord wherever needed was a testament to her spiritual desire to continue God’s work here on this earth.
Barb loved spending time with family and friends. She had a strong relationship with her siblings, Ken and Bonnie, their bond never wavering throughout the years. Barb could always be found traveling to visit family. She was a renowned cook and baker and was often found in her kitchen making dishes for friends, family, or community events. Barb loved sports and volunteered as a local softball umpire for many years. She enjoyed going camping with her family and always served as the “camp director.” Barb loved playing cards, crocheting, gardening, going fishing, bike riding, listening to Elvis, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. She’ll be sorely missed by those of us who spent so many days around her kitchen table. We will always carry her memory in our hearts.
Barb will be remembered fondly by her husband, Gary Thomas Williams of Cameron, MO, and her sons and their families. Sons Dennis Bryan Williams (Betty) of Kingsville, MO; Darryl Ray Williams (Diane) of St. Joseph, MO; Douglas Allen Williams of Cameron, MO; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Rachelle Williams of Kansas City, MO; Ben Williams of Manhattan, KS; and Michelle Volkart (Collin) and son Victor of Kansas City, MO; Daedra Powers (Brad) and son Carter of St. Joseph, MO; Dustin Williams and son Joel of St. Joseph, MO. Barb also leaves behind a sister, Bonnie Joyce Roots (Larry) of Lynchburg, Virginia, and brother, Kenneth Wayne Bendure (Donna) of Lawson, Missouri, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Visitation and funeral services will be held on Friday, September 4th at Newcomer’s White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Kansas City, MO 64119. The family will receive friends during a visitation at 9:00 am with a funeral service to follow at 10 a.m. Visit the funeral home’s Facebook page for a live stream of the service. In lieu of flowers, send memorial contributions in Barb’s memory to the American Heart Association.
