Noreen Jessop Williams

Noreen Jessop Williams returned to her Heavenly Father on February 23, 2026. Born October 20th, 1971, she was the beloved daughter of Martin Hyrum Jessop Sr. and Peggy Johnson. Raised in Hildale, Utah, the second of eight children, Noreen's early years were sheltered by the quiet strength and beauty of the vermillion cliffs she so dearly loved. Her childhood was a happy one-filled with open skies and adventures, close family bonds with siblings and cousins, and friendships formed in school hallways that would last through adulthood.

On April 25, 1993, Noreen married Merrill Barlow. In the years that followed, life carried her all over the country as she traveled throughout the U.S., supporting her husband in the trucking industry. Though this chapter brought difficult times, it also revealed her resilience and independence. Afterwards, she would work in various occupations, including Bee's Marketplace and Water Canyon Elementary, and of course, she formed many lasting friendships along the way. Yet of all roles she filled, her greatest and most cherished calling was that of mother to Merl and Martha Vilate. They were the light of her life in good times and her purpose and strength in difficult ones.

Noreen's gift for motherhood reached far beyond the walls of her home. She gathered in countless others-offering guidance, safety, steady encouragement, and unwavering love. She was a mother, a sister, and a best friend, all rolled into one.

After the end of her marriage, Noreen leaned on treasured friendships, both old and new, as well as the strength and unconditional love of her "Papa." She also found connection and faith in the community around her. On November 15, 2021, she married Raymond Williams and not only gained a devoted husband, but also a whole new family who adored her-and she embraced them all as her own.

Only six months later, a cancer diagnosis once again tested her faith and strength in new ways. True to her nature, Noreen faced her illness head-on, with grit, courage, humor, and unshakeable faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was determined to live each day fully, filling the hours with Razr rides through her beloved desert and mountains, travel adventures, and precious time surrounded by those she loved.

Though she ultimately lost her battle with cancer, she did so on her own terms-with dignity, faith, and her signature stubborn nature shining through right to the very end.

Noreen was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy, and her sister, Meredith. She is survived by her devoted husband, Raymond; her beloved children, Merl and Martha Vilate; her father, Martin Hyrum Jessop Sr.; her brothers and sisters-Hyrum, Fred, Dowayne, Sylmar, Liselle, and Lydia; and scores of others who are privileged to have called her mother, sister, or friend.

Her laughter, courage, loyalty and faith will echo in our hearts and the desert canyons until we meet again.

A public viewing will be held Saturday, February 28th, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Centennial Park Chapel, 255 W. Cannon Ave., Centennial Park, AZ, and again on Sunday, March 1, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm.

Arrangements are made under the direction of the Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah.

Friends and family are invited to sign Noreen's guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com

Those who wish to donate to help cover funeral expenses can do so through the following link: https://www.spilsburymortuary.com/payments