Services to celebrate the life of Joan H. Williams, 91, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel with Pastor Robert Beadle officiating. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. until service time.
Pallbearers will be the grandsons and grandson-in-laws.
Joan was born in Petal, MS to Emory and Eva Hammett. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Williams; parents; sisters, Genevieve Smith, Cornelia Adkins and Madge Hall; and brothers, L.D. Hammett, infant brother Jerome, Harold Hammett and Emry Hammett, Jr.
Joan is survived by her children, Debbie Ross and husband Ben, Greg Williams and wife Jan, Vicki Holloway and husband Robert, Dwayne Williams and wife Cindy, Robert Williams and wife Judy, and Jay Williams and friend Frances; grandchildren, Brent Ross and wife Kristina, Wendy Osentoski, Jenny Panettiere and husband Joe, Ashley Chance and husband Tim, McKenzie Holloway and husband Seth, Mallory Gaby and husband Matt, Molly Williams, Jarrod Holloway, Brandon Williams and wife Neely, Michael Williams and wife Mallory, Brittainy, Logan and Cassidy Williams, Jennifer Whitlock, Jessica Upton and husband Joe, Jamie Kellogg; great grandchildren, Ava Ross, Addie Ross, Matthew Osentoski, Jaxson Panettiere, Zoë Panettiere, Paige Holloway, Townes Chance, Ellis Williams, Gentry Holloway, Noah Williams, Peyton Williams, Briggs Holloway, Hayes Gaby, Madison Gaby, Avery Gaby, Shelby Whitlock, Kaylee Whitlock and Wade Upton.
Joan, affectionately known as “Momma Jo,’ displayed a fierce loyalty and devotion to her family, always standing up for and supporting each one of them in all situations and circumstances. She always chose to believe they could do no wrong, which was sometimes questionable. Her home was open to all, especially to the friends of her children. The neighborhood children seemed to migrate there because in a home with six children, there was always some kind of excitement.
Momma Jo had the innate ability of truly being herself. Her honesty and straightforward manner were simply the essence of her being. All who knew her knew exactly what she was thinking and how they stood with her because she didn’t hesitate to tell them.
Momma Jo enjoyed many hobbies: sewing, quilting, crocheting and gardening. Throughout her lifetime, she lovingly made each of the children and grandchildren a handmade quilt or crocheted blanket, a gift to be treasured for a lifetime.
Joan truly lived a life of faith and family. She was a member of First Baptist of Benton for over sixty years, always making sure that all six of her children attended every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. She lived an exceptional life, a full life, a life that few others can claim. The life she lived, she lived for her family, always giving, never taking, and expecting nothing in return. Her life was truly a gift, a gift of the highest caliber. She gave her family the gift of herself.
