Jean Williams

Thelma Jean Williams, 91, of Bucyrus passed peacefully at Trustwell Living at Carlisle Place on Saturday, November 1, 2025 as result of a recent stroke.

Jean was born on January 23, 1934 in Granville, Tennessee to the late William Harley and Lela Ann (Vinson) Wade. She was a graduate of Jackson County High and a few years later made her way to Bucyrus. While at a movie theater in 1956 she noticed a handsome young gentleman by the name of Howard E. Williams. The two hit it off and got married on December 15 of that year. She adored her life with “Hobbie”, as he was known, and they shared nearly 68 years of marriage until his passing on October 8, 2024.

Jean worked in the Bucyrus office at Ohio Power/AEP, where she retired after many years of employment. She was a member of Bucyrus United Methodist Church; volunteered for several years in the hospital gift shop and enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels to area residents.

Jean enjoyed many card games and lunch gatherings with her friends as well as attending several performances at the Bucyrus Little Theatre, but what made her happiest was time spent with family. They gathered for many holidays and most Sundays for a meal and with Jean not responsible for preparing the meals (as Hobbie was an excellent cook), this gave her time to visit with all who were present. She had quite the sweet-tooth and over the years, was always up for some of her nephew, Tom’s beans and hoecakes. She and Hobbie spent some years wintering in the Destin, Florida area and they shared an annual tradition of visiting cemeteries in Tennessee, where they respectfully cleaned family graves. More recently, she enjoyed socializing and playing games with others while at Carlisle Place.

Jean is survived by grandsons, Chad (Darcy) Williams and Owen Williams; great grandchildren, Lucas Williams, Audrey Blessing and Alex Blessing; nephews, Carl (Char) Wade and Tom (Darla) Wade; niece, Martha Bode and two sisters-in-law, Betty (Jim) Layton and Alta Williams.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by son, Allen “Al” Williams; sisters, Bonnie Wade, Julia Wade, Clara Wade and Ina F. Mathis and brothers, Fred Wade, Hughley Wade, Billy Wade and Don Wade.

Her family will receive friends from 12 – 12:55 pm on Tuesday, November 4 at Wise Funeral Service, followed by her funeral at 1:00 pm with Pastor Matt Anderson officiating. She will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery.

If desired, donations may be made payable to the Bucyrus Little Theatre, and these gifts will be accepted though the funeral home. Memories are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook at www.wisefuneral.com.