Joanne Williams

Joanne Emerson Williams, age 93, of Abilene passed away on Dec.7, 2024.

 A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday Dec.14, 2024 at 3:00 PM in the First Baptist Church Chapel, 1333 North 3rd Street in Abilene.

 Joanne was born in Dallas, Texas to O.P. and Jewel Emerson on August 21, 1931. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and then Baylor University where she met her future husband, Alton C. Williams. They were married on September 29, 1949, and had three children: David, Greg, and Julie.

 Following her husband's death in 1986 she decided to go back to school and learn about computers. She worked for West Texas Utilities, then the First Baptist Church Ministry of Counseling Center. She thoroughly enjoyed both careers and cherishes the many friends she made.

 Joanne enjoyed reading and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers. But her biggest loves were for the Lord, her family and friends, and the many pets that were part of our family over the years. She loved keeping up with our lives and always wanted to see our latest pictures. 

 She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and the Priscilla Women's Class. Everyone who knew her described her as a joyous person with a strong faith in Christ. Her attitude remained positive, even in the latter years of her life while struggling with health issues. She always had a smile on her sweet face!

 The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the healthcare providers from Enhabit Home Health, including Ashley Brown, Nicole Pate, Magan Riley, and Kim Dizo. They cared for her, made the last years of her life better, and she loved each of them.

 Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Lt. Colonel Alton C. Williams, her sister Jacquelyn “Jackie” Barron, and brother-in-law Dr. Stanton “Jake” Barron.

 Left to cherish her memory are her sons David Williams, Greg Williams and wife Joan, her daughter Julie Corder and husband Glenn, and nieces Virginia Nisbet, Joanne Newton and husband Rick, Beverly Barnes, Kathleen Hamilton and husband Brian, and many grand nieces and nephews.

 In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her honor to a charity of your choice, First Baptist Church, or the local Humane Society.