Dorothy Williams

Dorothy May Williams, 100, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on July 23, 2024 in Abilene.

Viewing will be from noon to 5:00 PM Sunday, July 28 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held 10:00, Monday July 29 at Elmwood Memorial Park with the family officiating. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Dorothy was born in Lufkin, Texas to John & Nancy Bennett on November 13, 1923. She went to school at Carpenters Gap where she completed the 8th grade. In later years, she obtained a high school equivalent and went on to attend Hardin-Simmons University. She married James A. Williams on November 18, 1939, in Jones County. She was first and foremost Mother/Mama and a Baptist Minister's wife. In later years, she worked as a Certified Medication Nurse (CMA) and night shift Charge Nurse on Dorms 44 and 26 for Abilene State School (Abilene State Supported Living Center) for 21 years. During her employment at Abilene State School, she received numerous recognitions for loyalty, dependability, congeniality, and cooperation; all toward the wellbeing of the clients under her care. During James' time as pastor, they both served congregations in the Nolan/Taylor/Jones County areas; Shiloh Baptist, Amity Baptist, Wastella Baptist, Stith Baptist, Prairie View Baptist. For the last 55 years, she was a member of Second Baptist, Abilene, Texas.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nancy Bennett, her husband, Rev. James A. Williams, three sons: Donald Ray, Michael James, and Reggie Glen, three brothers and five sisters and grandson-in-law, Johnny M. Ussery, Jr.

Dorothy is survived by daughters, Collene Simmons (Robert), Pamela Mashburn (Terry), grandchildren: Janyth Ussery, Kenneth Simmons (Lisa), Laura Huffman, Jennifer Conners, Michael Williams (Teresa), Rachael Prasser, Don Williams, and Aaron Minor, 11 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren, and two compassionate caregivers: Susie Guerrero, and Mary Fernandez.

Memorials may be given to Hendrick Hospice or Arbor Day Foundation to plant a memorial tree in Dorothy's memory.

The family of Dorothy Williams wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the CNAs, nurses and staff of both Silver Spring Health and Rehabilitation Center and Hendrick Hospice of Abilene.