Barbara Sue Williams

Barbara Sue Williams, 85, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines. Her visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 3415 3rd St., in Des Moines. Immediately following her visitation her Homegoing Celebration will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor George Shade officiating. Her burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Barbara Sue was born on January 10, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa to James and Daisey (Burkett) Williams. She grew up in Des Moines where she graduated from East High School with the class of 1958. Barbara Sue then attended Area 11 (DMACC) where she graduated with her surgical technician degree. She worked in Minneapolis and Waterloo before coming back to Des Moines and working for Mercy Medical Center. After 32 years of working as a surgical technician at Mercy Medical Center she retired. 

Barbara Sue was a member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Des Moines. She sang on many Ole Ship’s services with her beautiful angelic voice. Barbara also was a member of the Knights of Pythias and Courts of Calanthe Imperial Council Princess of Omar Grand Empress of Raizel Tent #1.

Barbara Sue could light up a room with her funny stories and laughter. She loved to spend time with her family, traveling, shopping, going to the casino and playing slot machines, and watching The Highlander and sci-fi TV shows. 

Those left to cherish her loving memories are her children Antonio Vaughn of Minneapolis, MN and Douglas Williams Sr. of Houston, TX; grandchildren Saresse Nelson, Norman Nelson, Antonio Nelson, Douglas (Tianna) Williams Jr., Aaron Williams, Jacqueline (Dewayne) Goldmon; host of great-grandchildren; sister Deaconess Sharon Kay Brown of Des Moines, IA; sisters-in-law Barbara Joyce Williams of Des Moines, IA and Betty Williams of St. Louis Park, MN. Her longtime friend Katherine Williams and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara Sue's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; James and Daisey Williams, brothers; James E. Williams Sr., Carl E. Williams, Gerald R. Williams Sr., Alonzo Q. Williams Sr., and sister Patricia Mae Williams. 

Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Barbara Sue Williams.