Mary Ann Williams

Mrs.  Mary Ann Williams, age 86 of Pearson, GA passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Mary Ann was born in Americus, GA to Alma and Arnold Schmidt. She was the eldest of their four children. She graduated from Americus High School, Georgia Southwestern College (now Georgia Southwestern State University) in Americus, and Georgia State College for Women (now Georgia College and State University) in Milledgeville, majoring in Math. She married John C. Williams in a garden ceremony at her parents’ house in 1951. They lived in Beaufort, SC, Valdosta, and Douglas before moving to Pearson in 1956. They were members of First Baptist Church in Pearson where she was the pianist. Mary Ann taught many children from the Pearson area to play the piano. While living in South Carolina she received a teaching certification and taught one year. After her children left home she taught in the Atkinson County schools as a substitute.  She taught young children in Sunday School and helped many elderly people in Pearson with their needs. While her husband had his pharmacy, she assisted him in the day to day operation and with the bookkeeping. She loved to cook and sew. When she was younger she would often ride her bicycle to town to shop. She was a wonderful wife and mother. Survivors include: Three sons: George Williams (and wife, Donna), Richard Williams, and John David Williams. One daughter: Carol Rigsbee (and husband, Mark). Five grandchildren One brother-in-law: Dr. John Bowen. Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive. Funeral services were held Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church in Pearson, Ga. with Rev. Jerry Worzella officiating. Special music was provided by Elijah and Deborah Williams. Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was by Candace Brown, organist and Margie Mansour, pianist. The interment followed in Sweetwater Cemetery. Serving as active pallbearers were:   Harry Mullis, Wade Brown, William White, Travis Ursery,       Bill Thombs, and George Relihan. Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, GA was in charge of the arrangements.