Garneth Garlene Williams, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, at the age of 82. Her warmth, love, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Born on September 21, 1942, Garlene embraced life with a spirit of generosity and kindness. She was a devoted mother to Martia (Ron) Summers, Annetta (Donnie) Williams-Novak, Jeanette (Tom) Eby, and Martin II (Becky) Williams, instilling in them the values of family, hard work, and compassion. Her role as “Grandma Williams” was one she cherished above all else. She showered her grandchildren, Crystal (Matt) Polski, Kyle (Sarah) Gildea, Angela Gildea, Brittany (Anthony) Combs, Garret Williams, Gaven Williams, and Gage Williams, with unconditional love, creating lasting memories filled with laughter, stories, her love of baking and gardening.
Garlene’s life was a testament to the power of love and family. She had a knack for making everyone feel special and valued.
She grew up in Aurora, Missouri, with her three younger sisters, Barbra (Charles) Willard, Deanna (Ralph) Davis, and Anita (Robert) Thomas. She went to Aurora High school where she met her husband Martin Williams. They started dating in 1957, and they were then married on December 23, 1958. They spent 65 wonderful years together. They had their four children in Aurora, Missouri, before moving to Unionville, Missouri, in May 1973 where they spent 50 years on a farm they built before returning back to Aurora, Missouri.
Garlene was a devout member of her community. She touched the lives of many through her love for sewing and quilting and selling Mary Kay. She retired from being the city collector of Unionville, Missouri.
Garlene was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeanette Garlene Williams (May 24th, 1994).
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, and will be forever remembered by her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Ariana Combs, Deekan Pyles, Mia Phillips, L’Shaun Combs, Jahaven Combs, Devontae Combs, Kepler Gildea, and Zosia Polski.
Visitation was held from 10:00-12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora, with a funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial followed at the Spring River Cemetery in Verona, Missouri.
In memory of Garlene please plant a tree or flower of your choice to remember her by.
Online condolences may be shared at www.CraftonCantrellFuneralHome.com.
