Deleta Terry Williams

1935 - 2024

On the evening of December 11th, 2024, Deleta passed away in the comfort of her son David's home in Chesterfield, Missouri, surrounded by family.

"Deleta Williams, a progressive woman Democrat whose dedication to equality, access, and service has made a lasting impact on the area and the state as a whole," is a quote published in The Free Press, an honor which she was proud to have received.

Born August 21, 1935, near Caraway, Arkansas to Raymond Terry and Della Nuckles Terry, she had a happy childhood among a large extended family. She was baptized in the RLDS Church (now Community of Christ) at the age of 8 and remained an active member the rest of her life.

In 1947, her immediate family moved to Warrensburg, MO. She graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1953 and then attended Central Missouri State College where she was a member of Pi Kappa Sigma Sorority.

In 1958, she was united in marriage to Don Parmley. They were the parents of two sons, David and Drew. During this time, she obtained her real estate brokers license and worked at J. Kenneth Marr Realty.

Following Don's death in 1973, newly widowed and raising two young boys, Deleta decided to run for Johnson County Collector of Revenue. At a time when very few women were in politics, most people gave her little chance of winning, but her determination and relentless campaigning proved otherwise when she won an upset victory over the 20-year incumbent. She was re-elected four more times, serving 18 years as County Collector.

In 1977, she and Ernest Williams were married, and he preceded her in death in 2004.

In the early 1980s, she enrolled at Central Missouri State University as a part-time non-traditional student and completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1984.

Active in the Democratic Party, Deleta was President of both the Johnson County and the 4th District Women's Democratic Club for 6 years. She served on the Democratic State Committee and was a delegate to the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, GA.

Her trailblazing ways continued in 1992, when she was the first woman elected to the Missouri House of Representative from what was then the 121st legislative district. While in the House, she served on numerous committees, including Chairperson of the Committee on Higher Education and Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee.

Her passion for women's rights and equality was most evidenced by her sponsoring the bill to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in the State of Missouri so that women everywhere would have equal protection under the U.S. Constitution.

She also served as President of the Missouri Women's Legislature and was recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation for her efforts in successfully passing child highway safety legislation in Missouri.

During her terms as Representative, she successfully secured funding for numerous projects in her District including the Warrensburg H.S School Agriculture Education Bldg., renovation of Ward Edwards Library at UCM., Construction of West Central Independent Living Solutions (WILS) and her most rewarding accomplishment, achieving locational designation and funding by the legislature for construction of the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg. She was re-elected to four more terms as State Representative before leaving the House due to the passage of term limits in 2002.

Soon after, she was appointed by Governor Holden to the CMSU Board of Governors serving one year as President during her six­ year term. During this time the name was changed to University of Central Missouri, and she was pleased to have offered the motion for the change.

In 2004 she was the recipient of the prestigious James C. Kirkpatrick Excellence in Governance Award presented by the Student Government Association in recognition of her lifetime of public service and promotion of higher education in Missouri.

Over the years, she served as member and chairperson of numerous local organizations and events including the committee for the establishment and construction of the Warrensburg Community Center.

Never one to sit still for long, in 2015 she opened Cena's Nook Bed and Breakfast in her home located on property that was originally part of Pertle Springs. She found this venture to be a very interesting experience and enjoyed sharing the history of Pertle Springs with her out-of-town guests.

An inspiration to countless women who followed in her footsteps, Deleta was a true champion of the underdog who never wavered in her support for the disadvantaged or less fortunate among us. She strived to make her community a better place to live and she will be much missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Kerstin Parmley, Chesterfield, MO and Drew and Kim Parmley, Jefferson City, MO. Four grandchildren, Gretchen Parmley Marks, Jacob Parmley, Chris Parmley and Michael Parmley. One sister, Loretta Driskell, Nampa, Idaho. Four nephews and two nieces. Cousins, Sue and Peggy Nuckles of Warrensburg.

Preceded in death by her parents, husbands, friend David Lindsay, and sister, Dorthy Jean Coggin.

In keeping with the wishes of Deleta Williams there will be no funeral services.

A private burial service will be held at Sunset Hills Cemetery.

Family is planning a Celebration of Life remembering Deleta at a date yet to be determined.

Complete details will be posted on Facebook once arrangements have been finalized.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in remembrance of Deleta can be made to the West-Central Missouri Veterans Home Assistance League, 1300 Veterans Road, Warrensburg, MO or Community of Christ Church, 700 S. Mitchell, Warrensburg, MO or to any organization of the donor's choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg.