Iris Eileen Williams

Iris Eileen Schmidt Williams, beloved wife of Fred R. Williams, mother, and grandmother, entered into rest to join her Heavenly Father on November 19, 2010. Born on October 16, 1918, she was a life-long resident of Houston as well as a fourth generation Texan. Iris married Fred Richard Williams on June 8, 1941, and shared a blessed and joyful marriage.

During World War II while Fred was overseas, Iris resided in Kerrville, Texas, where she joined a special chapter of the Red Cross Gray Ladies. She served for two years in this volunteer group at the Veterans T. B. Hospital where she wrote letters, shopped for gifts for the patients' families, played games, and helped with plays as well as other entertainment for the patients.

When Fred returned from overseas, they came back to Houston. Three wonderful children blessed this marriage bringing them much joy and happiness. Iris's greatest joys in life came from her relationships with her family and church.

The family joined and became active members of Second Presbyterian Church. Iris taught in Sunday School and was active in the Mothers' Club, Presbyterian Women, Vacation Bible School, and their Corinthian Sunday School Class. A move was made to St. Luke's Presbyterian Church in 1960. Here Iris served as a Deacon and held many offices in the Presbyterian Women, one being Moderator. She also served as president of her P.E.O. Chapter, DF, and served for many years in the PTA organization of her children's schools.

Iris and Fred were graced with a 60th wedding anniversary on June 8, 2001, and with a ninetieth birthday in 2008 with all children, grandchildren, and many friends present.

She is survived by her dear husband, Fred R. Williams, son, Fred R. (Rick) Williams, Jr. and wife, Julianne Newton; daughter, Pamela Williams Bunderson and husband, Steve Bunderson; son, Mark Kelley Williams and wife, Tina Zenker Williams; and grandchildren: Christopher Bunderson; Joshua Williams and wife, Bryn; Kate Williams Waitzkin and husband, Graeme; Shawn Bunderson and wife, Alicia; Amanda Bunderson Peterson and husband, Jeremy Peterson; and step-grandson, Matthew Newton. She was also survived by six great-grandchildren: Bailey, Beau, and Channing Peterson, Morgan Bunderson, Miles Waitzkin, and Sage Williams as well as her brother, Charles Allen Schmidt and wife, Pat; cousin, Betty Ratliff; and many loving friends and family members.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, 8915 Timberside, Houston, Texas at 10:00 a.m. on November 24, 2010. A viewing for family and friends will be held at the church from 9:00 until 9:45.

Private family service will be at Glenwood Cemetery, Houston, Texas.

Pall Bearers: Joshua Williams, Christopher Bunderson, Shawn Bunderson, Matthew Newton, Jeremy Peterson, and Graeme Waitzkin.

Memorials may be sent in lieu of flowers to St. Luke's Presbyterian Church or Cottey College.