Loree Ila Williams

Loree was born Loree Ila Smith, fourth child of Jasper Alex Smith and Margaret Frances Parker Smith January 19, 1909. She was married to Merritt N. Williams October 5, 1925. They shared fifty eight happy years together. She obeyed the gospel and was baptized at an early age and remained a dedicated servant of the Lord and an active member all the rest of her life.

Mother

Each word each rhyme that’s written here,

Reminds me of you Mother Dear.

The things you’ve said the life you’ve led,

I cherish every Day

They’re in my mind all the time

And will not go away.

I’m what you are – I cannot Change.

A voice inside unyielding,

Rules all my days, guides all my ways

And keeps me always growing

To become the man I know I can

The course you’ve set all knowing.

-Don Williams

She taught Bible classes as Merritt served as elder of the 9th and Main Church of Christ. Loree participated in her children’s education. She was president of PTA, and Room Mother for several of her children simultaneously. She was a proficient seamstress and made her children’s Rhythm Band uniforms. She worked with the 4H Club

Among the many skills she acquired in the Home Demonstration Club she learned to reupholster furniture and used this skill in decorating her home she loved children. She enjoyed keeping her grandchildren through the summer vacations; her love for children led her to open a day nursery in her home. Merritt and Loree made many wise investments in rental property. After his death in 1983 she continued to manage their properties as long as her health allowed until 1990.

They shared five children, Merritt Jr., Ila, Donald, Ronald, and Wendell. She has 12 grandchildren, 40 great grand children, and 54 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Merrit, her sons Donald and Wendell, and one grandson Glenn. She survived by her children Merrit Jr., Ila, and Ronald her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

“Shed not too many tears when I shall go,

Be brave, look up and smile

It would not lesson how-so-ere you grieved,

your loneliness the while.

Let not your face grow fear-streaked, pale and wan

Have heart for march and song;

Rejoice, tho for a time I have gone

That I was here so long.

Think not of lonely days ahead but joyously recall

The glorious companionship we’ve had

And thank God for it all.

For if I thought your faith would fail you so

And leave you so distressed

That sobbing to my body’s grave you’d go

My spirit could not rest.”

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday April 6, 2011 at the funeral home chapel with Charles Payne and Russ Gest officiating. Interment will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Johnson’s Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society or your favorite charities.

Family and friends are invited to sign an online register at johnsons-funeralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Johnson's Funeral Home, San Angelo, TX.