Patricia Ann Williams

Patricia (Patty) Williams age 91, was born on April 16, 1931, in Lexington, MO to William Marvin Hughes and Velma Lilyan (Frost) Hughes. She grew up in both Kansas City and in Lexington, MO. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1949. She married the love of her life, Earl (Tootie) F. Williams Jr. on September 17, 1949. Together they had five children: Linda, Mike, Shelley, Susan, and Lori. Pat was a homemaker yet was always employed outside of the home until her retirement in May 1998 from Higginsville Public Schools, where she had provided special education services as a paraprofessional, and an occupational therapy implementer. Pat also spent countless hours diligently representing education support personnel on negotiation teams, advisory teams, and other school activity committees. Pat held clerical positions at Mattingly’s office in Lexington during the 1960’s and 1970’s. During her high school years, and through her early 20’s, Pat worked at the phone company in Lexington. She was also a licensed cosmetologist. Pat and Tootie moved to their farm in Higginsville in 1952, where they successfully raised purebred Hampshire hogs. They also raised crops, beef cattle and had horses and dogs for pleasure as well as working farm animals. Pat worked to keep the books, and everyone and everything in order on the farm. She was instrumental in organizing and facilitating the semi-annual production sale on the farm, where she usually fed 300+ faithful customers with the help of close family and friends. After Earl’s death in 1996, Pat worked in tandem with Mike, to keep the farm productive. Pat and Tootie together contributed much to the growth of the agriculture industry. They had a special passion to support youth in agriculture, where they served as leaders and supporters of 4-H, FFA, the University of Missouri Extension Center, the American Royal and Missouri State Fair programs. They also were active in various professional associations such as Hampshire Swine Association, and Missouri Pork Producers. She loved her neighbors and longtime friends associated with agriculture. Patricia’s greatest purpose in life was to care for others. She has been a caregiver since age 16. She cared for grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren and any of her friends or family who were ill or needed help. She was the best mom ever when her grandchildren were born. Patricia was extremely generous and selfless. She always put others before herself, and would go without so that others, especially families with children could have what they needed. Marmee and Paw Paw always welcomed many into their family and home. She fed many and gave love and care without hesitation. Pat was a woman of great faith and conviction. She always put God first in her life and served on several church committees at the United Methodist Church, both in Lexington and Higginsville. She taught her children to believe in God and put trust in him. She always said, “There is no problem that can’t be solved.” She always looked to the Lord to guide her actions. She was a woman of integrity, strength, and incredible perseverance. Patricia was a member of the Order of Eastern Star; she held various offices including Worthy Matron. She also served as a mother advisor for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls in Higginsville. Patty cherished friends and family. She loved her card club friends who have played cards monthly since 1957. She loved Christmas, adopting families at Christmas, giving to others, watching others succeed, reading, traveling, the mountains, nature, and children. Patricia, or Marmee, as she was lovingly referred to by all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others, held high expectations for herself and everyone else, her actions were always with the intent of helping or encouraging in making things better. She always wanted better for her kids, grandkids, and others than she had for herself. Marmee lived a challenging but rewarding life. She had a quick wit and sense of humor. She expected everyone to “behave,” yet she could also laugh at funny things children said and did. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Mary Margaret Hughes, and her husband of 48 years, Earl F. Williams Jr. She is survived by her children, Linda Williams, Mike & Cheri Williams, Shelley Wood, Susan & Kirk Buist, and Lori Berry; grandchildren, Hollye & Terry Gurley, Collin Stosberg, Kacey & Brian Schaeffer, Wendy Goforth Hall, Kim Goforth, Colton Williams & Katie Haston, Ryan & Cindy Wood, Rori & Scott Schreiman, Brynn & Stephen Kent, Trey & Lacy Buist, Beau Berry, and Mari Berry Shultz; great-grandchildren, Clayton Gurley, Kayden Stosberg, Colbey Stosberg, Greyton Stosberg, Haston Williams, Peyton Hall, Drake Wood, Jaidyn Wood, Reece Schreiman, Rhett Schreiman, Brylee Kent, Blake Kent, Avery Buist, Brantley Buist, Molli Shultz, Gannon Berry, Victoria Berry, and Krew Berry. She is also loved and survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful friends. She was truly blessed with much love and respect. Arrangements entrusted to Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, Higginsville, MO. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Grace United Methodist Church in Higginsville. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM. Burial will be in the Higginsville City Cemetery. Casket bearers: Rev. Glen Elmore, Sam Frost, Loren Logue, John Marchetti, Mark Nuelle, Conrad Pitz Jr. Per mom's hope and request, honorary casket bearers are those family and friends who have gone before her and are waiting to welcome her in Heaven. Memorial contributions may be made to: Grossman Burn Center-Research Medical Center Kansas City https://www.grossmanburncenter.com/grossman-burn-foundation-1 or American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/

Patricia Ann Williams

April 16, 1931 - December 31, 2022