Mary Jo Williams

Mary Jo Williams, 75, of Peoria passed away peacefully at Rosewood Care Center in Peoria on Tuesday, April 16 at 6:25 p.m., surrounded by all her children and other special loved ones. Born April 10, 1938 in Peoria to Tom and Margaret (Dantone) Voris, she married William J. Williams on November 15, 1958. He died October 6, 1986. She is survived by her children: Daniel (Bernadette) Williams of St. Louis, MO; Regina (Michael) Seghetti, Gloria (Bobby) Khoury, and Eileen Williams, all of Peoria; Suzanne (Brad) Cook of Pekin; and Camille (Steven) Anthony of Marquette Heights. She adored and is also survived by her grandchildren: Danielle Williams; Anna, William, Anthony and Gina Seghetti; Maria Cook; Simon, Celine and Aidan Khoury; and Lillian, Stevie and Allison Mary Anthony.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant twin brother, Anthony.

Before marrying and raising her family she worked at Caterpillar from 1956-1959. She later worked at Catholic Charities, and retired in 2002 after nine years of employment.

Mary Jo graduated from St. Patrick’s Grade School in Peoria in 1952, and moved on to the Academy of our Lady. She always looked forward to spending time with her high school girlfriends both then and to this day. They called themselves “The Tykes” and those close friendships that began at 13 years of age still remain. When she graduated from AOL in 1956 she was the only graduate with four years perfect attendance.

Throughout her life she made friends easily, and valued friendships that also came later in life. Her home was always open, and it was important to her to show hospitality to those that she loved, especially her many nieces and nephews, whose company and hours spent visiting she cherished. She was an amazing cook, and made sure that she was always able to provide for guests. She enjoyed gathering with her Dantone relatives, and loved being a part of the extended and large Williams family, and of Peoria’s Lebanese community.

She was a proud member of the Itoo Society and its Ladies Club. She also was a decades-long member of St. Mark Catholic Church.

A Visitation will be held at St. Mark’s Church on Sunday, April 21 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place also at St. Mark’s Church on Monday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m., with Visitation for one hour before the Mass, and with Monsignor Brian Brownsey officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery in Peoria. Davison-Fulton-Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate in Peoria.