Billy L "Wanick" Williams

Billy L. Williams, age 77, of New Salem, IL passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, August 16, 2025. She was born on June 12, 1948, in Pearl, IL to William and Sarah (Owen) Wanick. Billy married Phillip Williams on December 20, 1969, in Pearl, IL and he survives. Billy was born and raised in Pearl and graduated from Milton High School. At 14 years of age, she worked at, and later help manage Donohoo's Restaurant in Pearl. She then worked for the Senior Citizen Meal Site in Barry, IL. Billy eventually retired and became a stay-at-home mom, raising her family and running the farm. In her early years she attended the Assembly of God Church in Barry, IL. She loved to cook, bake and plant a vegetable garden and she enjoyed canning her produce. Billy raised birds and sheep and unwillingly took care of the horses. Billy was a member of several saddle clubs and faithfully and diligently volunteered for the Illinois Walking Horse Association for over 40 years. She enjoyed the trail rides, where she took great pride in taking care of the campsite and always fixing her famous fruit salad. Billy was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed going to the games. She and Phillip always attended Jr. High and High School ballgames, whether their grandchildren were playing or not. She was always ready to go out to eat, especially at Milkey's in Barry. Billy was dedicated to her family and very family oriented. Her grandchildren were her life, and she loved for them to be around her. She was a social butterfly who could strike up a conversation with anyone. She made many friends over the years who became family to her, and she always appreciated her friendship with Dr. Dan Mefford. Billy will be missed by all who were blessed to know her. Billy is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Phillip Williams; son Curtis Williams of New Salem, IL; daughter Wanda Throne of Pittsfield, IL; honorary children, Joey and Karen Fesler and Kara Bechard-Smith; grandchildren, Jonathan Williams, Daniel (Lexi) Williams, Alexis (Henry) Ford, Brittany (Kenny Lowe) Norris, Bailey (Jeremy) Coultas, Kollin Throne, Noah Fesler and Avah Fesler; great grandchildren, Ariella Williams, Mireya Williams, Raydon Lowe, Briar Lowe, Kolt Lowe, Alice Coultas, Adalynn Coultas, Adrian Coultas, and Adler Coultas; brothers Charlie Wanick and Ralph Wanick; sisters, Florence (Dave) King and Mary Buchanan; and many nieces and nephews survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, great granddaughter, Karleigh Norris; siblings, Alfed Lee Wanick, Junior Wanick, John Wanick, and Rosie Chiatello-Witt; and son-in-law Casey Throne. Funeral services will be held on Friday August 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM with visitation prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL. Interment will be at the Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to the Pike County Soccer League or Western Athletic Department. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL is handling the arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Billy L (Wanick) Williams, please visit our floral store.