Minnie "Lea" Williams

Minnie “Lea” Williams, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on September 1, 2025. 

She was born on June 28th, 1927 in Quitman, Arkansas to the late Alvin and Ruby Holland. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Elton “Lefty” Williams and siblings Gerald Holland, Ruth Lindsey, and Doss Holland.

She is survived by her daughter Nancy Williams and son Jim (Karen) Williams. Three grandchildren Natalea Zella, Halea Williams and Winston Williams. Three great-granddaughters Abigail Todd, Anna Todd and Addison Zella. And her remaining sister, Dorothy Rollans. As well as numerous nieces and nephews and many others who lovingly called her "Mrs. Lea" or “Mamaw”.

Lea graduated from Guy Perkins High School in 1945 as valedictorian of her class. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Little Rock where she met her husband, “Lefty”. They wed on January 6, 1947. She was a member of the Fuller’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church since 1950, where she grew in her faith and gained many loving friends.

Lea spent her career as a beloved teacher at Roper Elementary School where she was greatly loved and was an intricate part of many young children's lives. After retirement she continued her passion for teaching at the Hayes Center in North Little Rock where she was an avid water aerobics instructor. While there she volunteered over 1,000 hours to which she won an award for in January 2010. Lea had many talents and hobbies over the years, gardening, cooking, sewing and crocheting to which she made and donated hundreds of hats for the NICU babies at Baptist Hospital Little Rock. Lea will be deeply missed by many but those will also be rejoicing in her heavenly reunion.Memorial flowers can be sent to 

Smith Funeral Home on John Barrow Rd in Little Rock.