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BORN
04/22/1931
DIED
12/06/2025
FUNERAL HOME
Harriet Williams Obituary
She was born April 22, 1931 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Harry Burkett and Dorothy (Wagner) Burkett.
Harriet was married to Thomas Williams for 73 years until he passed on December 22, 2023. They met as young people in a church youth group in Johnstown, Pennsylvania after Tom returned home from military service in the US Army during WWII. From the beginning, their life together was rooted in faith, commitment, and a deep love for family. They were members of Jackson First United Methodist Church for 70 years.
They adopted four children and from 1975 to 1989, lovingly opened their home as foster parents to 65 children under the age of five, providing safety, stability, and care during the most formative years of those young lives.
They shared a love of travel and adventure throughout their years together. In retirement, they became snowbirds, spending winters in Florida and faithfully following the horse jumping competitions they so enjoyed. Disney World held a special place in their hearts, and they returned often – first with their children, then with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and also simply as two people delighting in the magic they never outgrew. Their life together was marked by generosity, joy, and an enduring devotion to one another and to the many lives they touched.
Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Williams; Daughter, Cheryl Williams; brother, William Burkett; and her parents, Harry and Dorothy Burkett.
She is survived by her children, Brian (Valerie) Williams; Pamela Freytag; and Matthew Williams; Grandchildren, Jaime (David) Lawrence; Leigh (Nate) Toppen; Brock Merritt; Rebecca (Ryan) McGrew; Daniel Williams; Rephael Williams; Ruth (Ross) Orchard; David (Emily) Williams; and Benjamin Williams; Great-Grandchildren, Aiden Merritt-Miller; Madelyn Lawrence; Riley Lawrence; Tad Machnik; Lily Machnik; Dale Machnik; Christopher McGrew; Andrew McGrew; Rachel McGrew; Sarah McGrew; Joshua McGrew; Samuel McGrew; Diego (Lily) Martinez; Roman Caldwell; Logan Caldwell.
Cremation has taken place through Watson Funeral Chapel. A private family service will be held at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery, where Harriet will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband.
Donations in Harriet's honor can be made to the Music Therapy Ministry with the Jackson First United Methodist Church or Harmony Garden Music Therapy Services.
Please express condolences to family and friends at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harriet Williams
Sponsored by The Family.
Michael Freytag
December 14, 2025
I shared 28 years with Harriet and Tom. I enjoyed her wit, her wisdom and generosity. She was always available when I needed help, especially after my surgeries. I miss her greatly and know for sure that she enjoys the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and is in heaven with Tom.
Wendy Williams
December 14, 2025
Some of the happiest memories of my life were during childhood when my family went camping with Aunt Harriet, Uncle Tom, and our cousins. As an adult, I loved our many Williams family picnics at Van Buren State Park in South Haven. We always had fun and laughed a lot. Aunt Harriet was a special person, and I will miss her.
Rita Parrish
December 9, 2025
Harriet will be missed by many of us at Jackson FUMC. She and Tom had their special place to sit for many years of participation and she was always fun to visit with. She took good care of Tom and others in some difficult times, and I pray that she can now rest in God's loving arms.
Sue Wrzesinski
December 9, 2025
To the family of Harriet, I send you my condolences, she was a terrific person to know and I loved to see her coming into our store, because you knew we would have fun!
What an indomitable spirit she had.
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June Hinkle
December 9, 2025
We will all be missing Harriet sitting in the balcony in the church. She was there with her husband and probably foster children when I joined First Church many years ago. Learned more about Harriet from other church members over the years. What a generous life she lived. She is missed, now a pearl in heaven.
Susie Goldsmith
December 9, 2025
I had the pleasure of doing Harriet',s hair for 37 years. I will miss her terribly
Lola Callaghan
December 9, 2025
I have many fond memories of Harriet as a neighbor, friend and example of strength in her faith. She always was willing to lend a hand to help or an ear for listening. May God comfort her children grand children in the physical loss of their loved one. Deepest sympathy Lola Callaghan
Ted Wray
December 9, 2025
Dear Pam, Jaime and entire family, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Harriett. I loved greeting her at the church and having her rib me for not making last week's church service. I loved her fast wit and warm embrace. She will be missed!
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