Mamie Johanna Martin Williams

1915 - 2011

Mamie Johanna Martin Williams was born October 5, 1915 and completed her earthly task on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.

Mamie was born and raised in Juneau and attended school in Juneau, Petersburg and Sheldon Jackson. Mamie married her husband David John Williams, Sr. on December 28, 1931 and together they raised 12 children in Hoonah and Juneau.

Mamie had many hobbies as she always loved to produce something wonderful, she sewed, did traditional spruce root basketry, made moccasins and beaded regalia. She was an accomplished cook and her passion was baking and sharing her creations with family and friends. Mamie was a lifetime member of ANS Camp 12 and an original member of Hoonah Mt. Fairweather Dancers. She was the first school board president in Hoonah advocating for Hoonah to have its own Jr. High and High School. She was an advocate for health and volunteered her services to the medical vessel the Hy-Gene. Mamie had an incredible mind remembering with wonderful clarity all the historic events she witnessed. Her storytelling was enjoyed by many.

Her grandson Jason stated, "What an inspiration she was to us all! Guiding us through hard tasks and loving us all unconditionally. She will truly be missed."

Greeting her in Heaven is her husband David. Brothers Walter and Sam Martin. Adopted sister Emma Marks. Uncles Robert Martin, Sr., Charles Gamble, and William Johnson. Aunts Sadie Campus and Annie Turnmeyer. Parents Jessie and Scotty Martin. Adopted son Arsalan Sadighi. Children Genevieve Williams and Loretta Edenso. Grandchildren Jory Siverly, Mavis Jackson, Mary Knudson, Janelle Byers, Lisa Williams, Kenneth Siverly and Renner McKinley. Her niece, Elena Martin and Grandson-in-law Wade Winger.

Mamie is survived by her brothers Al, Joe and Daniel Wilson. Sisters Lillian Collier and Elizabeth Scally. Her sons, David, Joseph, Melvin, Walter, Arnold and adopted son Terry Cavanaugh. Her daughters Charlotte, Genevieve, Carol, Christina, Donna, Kathleen and adopted daughters Gloria McKinley, Michelle Byer and Jean Cook. Mamie's adopted sister is Dorothy Baumgartner. Sons-in-law Michael Knudson, Robert Edenso, Jerry White, Sr., Wilburt Pratt and William Lorenz. Daughters-in-law Jeanette, Patricia, Marilyn, Mary and Loretta Williams.

Mamie headed 5 generations of family with 13 children and 180 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.

Her son Melvin stated, "What a pillar of strength and wisdom she was to us all. Her compassion for all people and faith in GOD will stay in our hearts forever!"

Private family viewing was Monday at the Alaska Memorial Park.

Memorial Services are scheduled for Tuesday, May 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Northern Light United Church at West 11th Street with Pastor Phillip Campbell officiating with a light reception to follow.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Wednesday, May 25th at 1:00 p.m. also at the Northern Light United Church. Burial will be at the Alaska Memorial Park.

A memorial for Mamie Williams will be planned in Hoonah at a time when all those that supported and loved her can be in attendance.

Those wishing to express their condolences may contact Carol Williams, P.O. Box 196 Hoonah, Alaska 99829.