Marlene Janet Williams

Marlene Janet Williams

December 17, 1938 – August 5, 2025

Marlene Janet Williams, 86, of Valdosta, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at South Georgia Medical Center. Born in Washington, D.C. to the late Louelle Rogers Hunzeker, Marlene grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before moving to Valdosta with her children in 1970.

A devoted mother and hardworking woman, Marlene supported her family through various roles as a waitress at local restaurants including the Gold Plate, Pirates Bluff, and Denny’s. Her sons often worked alongside her. Marlene was an avid reader with a lifelong dream of becoming a writer. She cherished her cats but her greatest joy came from her family—raising her boys and delighting in her grandchildren, always finding special treats to share.

Marlene is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Richard C. Williams of Valdosta; her daughter Diane E. Roberts of Rome, GA; sons and daughters-in-law Rusty and Brenda Redshaw of Lake Park, GA, Joey and Faith Redshaw of Dixie, GA, and Danny and Lisa Redshaw of Valdosta. She also leaves behind her half-brother Allen Hunzeker; sister-in-law Linda Ridings and husband Jerry of Canton, GA; and a large and loving extended family including grandchildren Charlie (Julie) Roberts, Austin (Morgan) Thomas, Erin (Seth) Newton, Meredith (Austin) Gray, Taylor (Cameron) Young, Caroline (Cory Dowd) Redshaw, Lauren (Dalton) Harrington, Tori Redshaw, Josh Redshaw, Rhett (Jordan Crowder) Redshaw, and Nicholas Nutting. Marlene’s legacy lives on through her great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Weslyn, Saige, John Austin, Jacks, Blair, Molly, Vivienne, Devin, and Sydney. She was also a cherished aunt to Mindy Millington of Cartersville, Sandra (Scott) Threlkeld of Dawsonville, GA, and Jill (Ray) Tadros of Alpharetta, GA, as well as a dear friend to Donna Park of Pittsburgh, PA.

She was preceded in death by her mother Louelle Rogers Hunzeker, sister Ruth Hunzeker, and daughter-in-law Angie Jones Redshaw.

A celebration of Marlene’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Park Avenue Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Lowndes County Animal Shelter, 337 Gil Harbin Industrial Blvd., Valdosta, GA 31601.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.

Marlene’s warmth, dedication, and love for her family and friends will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.