Mary Jean Williams

June 25, 1949 - March 13, 2017

Mary Jean Inskeep Williams died March 13, 2017 at her Marysville home with her husband of 48 years by her side.

Mary Jean (“Mijji” to her family) was born June 25, 1949 to John R. and Eileen V. Inskeep in East Liberty, Ohio. After graduating from Logan Hills High School in Zanefield, Ohio she moved to Washington, D.C., where she was employed by the FBI in the Missing Persons Bureau. There, Mary Jean met the love of her life, "General" James R. Williams of the U.S. Marine Corps. Jim and Mary Jean were married at the East Liberty Church of Christ on October 19, 1968 (Sweetest Day). Mary Jean followed Jim around the country for the next 23 years as he pursued his career in the U.S. Marines and then the U.S. Air Force. MaryJean worked at the Welfare Department in Bellefontaine, Ohio. On April 8, 1973, in Marysville, Ohio, they were blessed with twins, Joel and Jenna. After Jim’s retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Mary Jean and Jim made their home in Marysville, WA. Mary Jean enjoyed her 21-year career at the Everett Herald Newspaper in the Classifieds Department before retiring in February 2011.

Mary Jean loved to travel. During her lifetime, she visited all 50 states, China, Scotland (her mother’s homeland) three times, England, Wales, and Ireland. She loved the Arts-she played the piano for small groups and was a founding member of both the Rabid Readers Book Club, Everett, and Dollirious Doll Club, Arlington. Her friends became her extended family. She was loved and adored by everyone she met.

Mary Jean became ill in December 2016 and was battling cancer when she passed. Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by her husband Jim; daughter Jenna Noble, Bend, OR; son Joel Williams (Christine) Everett; sister Norma Kipker (Jim) Bellefontaine, Ohio; her five grandchildren, Tyler, Holly, Riley, Connor and Grace; and extensive family in Ohio.

A memorial will be held Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, Marysville at 2pm. Reception to follow. Graveside services will be held in East Liberty, Ohio at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Schaefer-Shipman Funeral Home, Marysville, WA.