Helen Marie (Murray) Williams

Helen Marie (Murray) Williams, 76, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, at Tampa General Hospital, surrounded by family.

Affectionately known as “Mamaw,” Helen was born on March 23, 1949, in Washington, D.C. to Charles Elmer Murray Jr. and Elise Marie (Conley) Murray. As the eldest of eight children, she embraced a nurturing role early in life and developed a love for arts, crafts, and sewing - talents that would remain close to her heart.

Helen pursued her passion for design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where she met the love of her life, Rufus John Williams III. They married on November 15, 1969, at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. and their marriage spanned more than 53 years until the passing of Rufus III in February 2023.

Together, they raised four children - Rufus IV, Charles, Heather, and Gregory - living in the metro Houston, Chicago, and New York areas before finally settling in Tampa, Florida to enjoy retirement in 2010.

Helen’s greatest joy in life was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children and their families:

• Rufus IV and his wife Monica, and their daughters Gracyn, Olivia, Cecilia, and Isabelle

• Charles and his wife Kimberly, and their son Davis

• Heather and her husband Edouard, and their children Phoebe, Sebastien, Annaliese, and Gunnar

• Gregory and his wife Annie, and their children James, Clara, Adelaide, Luke, and Virginia

She is also survived by her siblings - Charles, Tom, John, Joseph, Kathy, Linda, and Jeanette - along with many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Helen was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Rufus III.

Helen passionately supported a variety of educational and charitable causes including Boys Hope/Girls Hope, The Center for Great Expectations, and The University of Tampa.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm EST on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church located at 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33609. A wake will take place the evening before at 6:00pm EST on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home located at 605 S. MacDill Ave. Tampa, FL 33609.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Helen’s memory to the Tampa General Hospital Foundation.