Mavis Jean Williams

Mavis was a devoted military wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a caregiver to anyone who needed her. Her greatest joy was taking care of her family and making sure those around her felt loved. She had a generous heart and a special way of making people feel welcome. Whether she was cooking or baking something delicious to share with others or sitting around her table drinking coffee and talking with her family, Mavis treasured the simple moments that brought everyone together. She loved deeply, gave freely, and welcomed everyone into her life with open arms. Her kindness, warmth, and love for others will be remembered by all who knew her.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Turner and Mark Hill; her husband, John H. Williams; her sons, Mark Williams and Chester Williams; and her siblings, Herman Hill (Ann), Lynwood Hill, Mark Hill, Gracie Tibbetts; brother-in-laws, Emmet Williams (Janet) and Frank Stroud.

She is survived by her significant other, Leonard “Papa Duck” Evans; her children, John Williams (Lori), Troy Williams (Susan), and Deborah Howard (Timmy); her siblings, Clay Hill and Michael Hill (Karen); and her sister-in-laws, Margaret Hill and Nancy Stroud.

She also leaves behind a large and loving family of grandchildren: Christina Roberts, John Williams III (Jenny), Justin Hillerby, Sheri Benson (Blake), Kandace Williams, Brittany Castro (Tony), Emily Lynch (Jon), Nicole Gaspers (Jeff), Jamie Lefever, Mark Gosnell Jr., Michael Gosnell (Taylor), David Rhodes, Douglas Rhodes (Nicole), Melissa Markt (William), Daniel Rhodes (Amanda), Ashley Yates (John), Kenny Bennett (Sam).

Mavis was blessed with many great-grandchildren: Conner, Chelsey (Isaac), Olivia, Nick, Caila, June, Kelsi (Luke), Jaymi, Perry, Noah, James, Katie, Emma, Will, Ryleigh, Lakelyn, Emmalyn, Evelyn and Emmy, all of whom brought joy and love into her life.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Magnolia Cottage Family Care for the care and compassion shown to Mavis. Special thanks are extended to April Davidson, Daphne Barfield, Buda Baker, Sandra DeGraffenreid, Armatha Davis, and Gentiva Hospice for their kindness, support, and dedication.

Mavis’s love will live on through the family she cherished, the people she cared for, and the countless memories she leaves behind. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she shared will remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Williams family.