Viola Williams

Graveside Service for Edna Viola Williams will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Meadow Cemetery with Rev. Chris Seaton officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm prior to the service on Saturday at Brownfield Funeral Home.

Viola was born on March 14, 1926, to Charles F. and Bessie H. Cowan in Lubbock, TX. She passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 99.

Viola led a life marked by strength, independence, and a profound love for family and faith. She married Leonard "Murl" Williams on June 18, 1948, in Lubbock, Texas. Together, they shared an enduring partnership that lasted 53 years until his passing in 2001. Their home on the farm in Terry County became a sanctuary where they nurtured their five children, instilling in them the values of hard work, love, and resilience.

Throughout her life, Viola was a vibrant presence in various churches, demonstrating her unwavering faith and commitment to God. Her creativity led her to enjoy painting and sewing, while her affinity for nature found her immersed in the landscapes of her farm and ranch in Stephenville, where she reveled in the beauty of the outdoors. 

Viola's legacy will be carried on by her loving family, who hold countless cherished memories of her unwavering support, guidance, and the unyielding pride she took in their achievements. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Murl Williams; parents, Charles and Bessie (Longley) Cowan; siblings, Frank Cowan, Becky Blair, Cecil Cowan, John Cowan; son-in-law, Clay Neill; and grandson, Jonathan Williams of Meadow.

She is survived by all her children; sons, Stephen J. Williams (Shelley) of Lubbock, Jerry R. Williams (Marsha) of Midland, Jim L. Williams (Cookie) of De Leon, Leonard M. Williams Jr. (Elizabeth) of Lubbock; daughter, Cynthia S. Neill of Brownfield; 2 siblings, Opal Russell of Stephenville and Charleen Pruitt of Graham; 14 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.