Mary Louise Beeks Williams

Mary Louise Beeks Williams, a cherished educator and devout servant of her community, passed from this life into eternal rest on September 20, 2025, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Born on December 15, 1946, in Memphis, TN, she was the second child among eight born to the late Willie James and Zeldra Mae Beeks. Her legacy of love, faith, and teaching will forever remain in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her.

Mary embarked on an impactful journey in education, dedicating approximately 30 years of her life to nurturing the minds and spirits of her students. Her career began with the Sumter County Opportunity, Inc. Head Start program, and she later imparted her vast knowledge under the Sumter County Board of Education, at Sumter County High School,  Livingston High School, and ultimately at Bell-Brown Career Technical Center, where she concluded her esteemed vocation. With a gentle spirit and unwavering commitment, she inspired youth to learn, apply their skills, and assist one another, reinforcing the values she held dear.

Her academic journey began in rural Amory, where she completed her early education before graduating from West Amory High School. In 1965, she achieved further enlightenment by earning her degree from Mississippi Valley State College in 1969, setting the stage for her lifelong dedication to education.

Mary's faith was a cornerstone of her life. From a young child, she established her spiritual journey at Glenn's Chapel Gospel Feast Pentecostal Church, and continued to fortify her relationship with Christ through her associations with Anderson Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Meridian, MS, True Vine Fellowship Church in York, AL, and virtually with The Potter's House in Dallas, TX. Moreover, her bond with God deepened as she participated in telecommunication prayer with The People Place Church in Gadsden, AL, alongside her devoted daughter.

In addition to her professional pursuits and spiritual commitments, Mary found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for cooking, enthusiastically sharing her culinary creations with family and friends. Her heart was also attuned to community service, actively engaging in projects that uplifted those around her. Her green thumb guided her as she nurtured a variety of plants and flowers, cultivating beauty both inside and outside of her home.

Mary is survived by her beloved daughter, Zeldra  ZelSha Vawters of Clovis,  New Mexico, and four siblings: Brenda Bynum of Hephzibah, GA; Kevin (Julia) Beeks of Amory, MS; Elizabeth Denson of Smithville, MS; and Lashun (Lorenzo) Fitch of Beaumont, TX. She also leaves behind four nieces, five nephews, and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, godchildren, and extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roosevelt Williams, Jr., whose absence she felt deeply. As she expressed in her own words, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith...” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Mary Louise Beeks Williams embraced her life with grace, resilience, and an unwavering belief that her faith would guide her home.

A visitation to honor Mary's remarkable life will be held on September 25, 2025, at Belle Memorial Funeral Home in Amory, MS, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. The funeral service will take place the following day, September 26, 2025, at Miracle Revival Center at 1:00 PM, followed by her burial at New Hope Cemetery #1 at 3:00 PM.

In the hearts of many, Mary's legacy as an educator, a faithful servant, and an embodiment of love will forever endure.