Helen R. Williams

Helen R. Williams, age 89, of Marion, IL, formerly of the Ridgway and Omaha, IL area, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at 12:21 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at her home.
She was born on November 19, 1935, in Eldorado, IL, the daughter of George and Gertrude (Overton) Allen.
Helen attended her early school years at a one room school called Oak Grove Country School and was a graduate of Eldorado High School Class of 1953. She continued with her education attending at Lockyear's Business College of Evansville, IN, where she received her Associate's Degree in office and secretarial skills.
She was united in marriage to Charles Lloyd Williams on September 26, 1954, in Eldorado, IL, and together they shared over 46 years of marriage until his death on February 1, 2001.
Her working career was helping with the requirements of the farm that she and her husband operated and managing the Asbury Mutual Insurance Company which they operated from their home, serving the Omaha-Ridgway area until they moved the office to Ridgway.
While living for many years in the Omaha-Ridgway area, she was an active member of the New Hope General Baptist Church of the Omaha, IL, area. After moving to Marion, IL, in 2006, she began attending at Aldersgate Global Methodist Church of Marion.
In her spare time, she enjoyed working in her flowers, gardening, feeding and watching the many birds in her backyard, cooking and going out to eat. In the last few years, she enjoyed traveling to many different places with her companion husband, Jim Turner.
She loved her family and enjoyed the many times they all shared together. She was always interested in hearing about all the activities going on in their lives. The many memories created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind.
She is survived by three children, Kurt Lloyd Williams of Louisville, KY; daughter, Cynthia K. Myrick of Seven Lakes, NC; son, Kent C. Williams and wife, Robin of New Albany, OH; six grandchildren, Danielle Legris and husband, Eric of Brooklyn, NY, Nicole Rice and husband, Lucas of Louisville, KY, Kacy Morris and husband, Rick of Litchfield, IL, Joshua Williams of Manhattan, NY, Benjamin Williams of Terre Haute, IN and Kaitlyn Williams of New Albany, OH; three great grandchild, Theodore "Teddy" Rice, Gideon Rice and Cassia Rice; brother, Robert Allen of Seven Lakes, NC, and her companion husband, Jim Turner of Marion, IL, other extended family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lloyd and five brothers, Vernon, Emil, Delmas, Clarence and Bernie Allen.
Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The time of visitation was from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Aldersgate Global Methodist Church, located at 1201 N. Fair St., Marion, IL. Following the visitation, the memorial service was at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Gabe Wanck presiding.
Helen's son, Kent presented the eulogy and many others attending the service presented comments of memory.
Special vocal musical selections presented during the service were "He Touched Me" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" led by vocalist Corryne Shaw accompanied by pianist, Judy Hopkins and organist, Sharon Disney. The service concluded with the recorded musical selection "I Shall Behold Him" by Sandy Patty.
Following the service the family and friends gathered in the Abundant Life Center at Aldersgate for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support.
Visitation resumed from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at New Hope General Baptist Church, located at 18870 Jackson New Hope Road, near Omaha, IL. Following the visitation, the memorial service was at 1:00 p.m.
Helen's son, Kent also presented the eulogy along with Pastor April Turner presenting comments and scripture and Jim Turner presenting special personal comments. Many of those attending the service also presented comments of memory.
Special vocal musical selections presented during the service were "In the Garden" and "God On the Mountain" by Don Brockett accompanied by organist, Ladonna Oxford. The service concluded with the musical selection "I'll Fly Away" as a congregational hymn.
A "Reflection of Life" DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in Helen's life was presented during the time of visitation at both churches.
For those who preferred, the family requested memorial contributions be directed to "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society." Contribution envelopes were available at the church and the funeral home or were mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 9 00 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.