Mary Frances Greene

Mary Frances "Willie" Williams Greene died on Sunday December 18th after a courageous battle with cancer. Her last days were spent surrounded by family and friends, who enjoyed many, many fond memories of her.

She is survived by her husband, James "Roe" Greene of Wilmington, NC; son John-David Powell, wife Alice Powell and grandchildren Jacob-Christopher Powell and Alyssa Powell of Winterville, NC; son Norman Allen Powell, wife Michelle Powell and grandson Cody Allen Powell of Wilmington, NC; sister Eva Jeanette Owens of Albuquerque, New Mexico; brother Lathan Williams, Jr. and wife Fran Williams of Farmville, NC; brother Charles Williams and wife Mary Williams of Statesville, NC.

She is preceded in death by her parents Lathan Eugene Williams, Ethel Taylor Williams and sister Carol Williams Lesley.

Born in Concord, NC, she grew up knowing no strangers. At age 21 she entered the service of the U.S. Air Force and was honorable discharged having obtained the rank of Airman 2nd Class. In addition to her U.S. Air Force service, she served the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Coast Guard in a civilian capacity. She married U.S. Force CWO-4 Raymond Powell and began her family with two sons.

In time, she returned to North Carolina after living in multiple stations in the U.S and abroad. In Wilmington she helped care for her parents and eventually remarried. She and her husband "Roe" enjoyed many travels abroad and across the U.S. She enjoyed traveling, the beach, reading - author David L. Robbins was a particular favorite, many things European - especially Paris and the Eiffel tower, the color yellow, fluffy clouds, arboretums and technology. In short she loved all aspects life. Her personality was full and vivacious. Not knowing a stranger and her witty sense of humor often made her the center of many social gatherings. She was always generous with her time and always made sure that those around her were taken care of.

The Funeral Service will be held at 2PM on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Home with Reverend Melvin Hall officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family at her request, asks individuals to "pay it forward" with acts of kindness or to make a donation to Lower Cape Fear Hospice who were so dignified in their care of her.