Theresa Ford Williams

Theresa F. Williams was born the matriarch of her family on June 24, 1941. The daughter of John Vernon Ford, and Ruthie Mae Turner, she was the eldest of 15 brothers and sisters. As the matriarch, she helped her parents raise her siblings in a modest home in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Expected to pull her weight, she grew from a child to a woman with unparalleled strength, tenacity, and an intense sense of family loyalty that guided how she lived and loved.

Theresa graduated from Bonner Springs High 1960, and later moved to Kansas City, Missouri. As a divorced single mother of four children – Mark Ford, Eloria Williams, Tonia Wright, and Victor Williams – she led her household with the same strength, tenacity, and intense sense of family loyalty. These attributes blanketed her children, girding them with love, faith, protection, and provision, all beautifully wrapped in her constant presence. A fiercely hardworking blue collar professional, sometimes working multiple jobs to take care of her children, she demonstrated what true work ethic looked like. She taught them that your word is your bond, and she modeled integrity by the way she lived.

She is preceded in death by her son, Victor, her parents, her brother, Walter, and sisters June, Lois, Johnnie, Stephanie, and Michelle, as well as many cousins, a niece, and other loved ones. Theresa took life as it came. She navigated life’s challenges with grace and dignity, and continues to serve as an example of strength and resilience for those of us who mourn her passing. She lived life on her own terms. And as she looked to life beyond this one, she asked all of us to consent to her deep desire to move on, and to rejoice in her homegoing. In her own words, she writes:

“No more tears… Don’t cry. I am free from pain and sorrow. No more suffering. Be happy for me. No more tears. Rejoice. I am at peace. I love you, always.”

To Theresa’s grandchildren, thank you for your steadfast love and for continuously being by her side. To her sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and so many loved ones, thank you for every call, visit, and for every laugh. To her son, Mark, who stood steadfastly by her side since he was a young boy, thank you for keeping guard, providing her with constant companionship, and intently watching over her. To her daughter, Eloria, who took the mantle of caregiving – day and night – thank you for your loving care. To Tonia, her youngest daughter, stay the course and keep allowing your heart to serve as your compass. Remember her words, “be strong, and be happy.” And to her youngest child, Victor, you are reunited with your Mother now. Enjoy her big beautiful smile, kisses, and lingering embrace. One day we will all be together once again.

There will be a private family graveside service at Forest Hill Calvary Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 25th from 11:00am-1:00pm at Muehlebach Funeral Care, 6800 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64131.