Mrs. Rosie M. Williams

Rosie Mae Williams was a life-long resident of Stephens, AR. The oldest child born to Cuffus and Ionia Blanks Williams. She was a stay-at-home wife/mother until the last of her children entered grade school in 1966 at which time she began her employment with the Carver School system as a cafeteria worker (29 years).

Mrs. Williams married Lonnie Williams in 1952. Her early church membership was with Seminary A.M.E. Church later uniting with St. Stephens MB Church. She was a recipient of the Stephens Chamber of Commerce’s “Citizen of the Year” and “Senior Citizen of the Year” awards.  From the Royal Grand Chapter of Arkansas, Order of Eastern Star (OES) in 2025 she received their “Living Legend Award” and 2010 she received their “Devoted and Invaluable Service” award; OES Esther Chapter #337 presented her an “Outstanding Service for Many Years of Invaluable Service” award; She served as Worthy Matron of Esther Chapter #337; Order of the Golden Circle, Lord Lady Ruler, J C Corbin #204. In 2016, the Carver-Stephens School Reunions awarded her a “Lifetime of Dedicated Service” award. In her church, St. Stephens Missionary Baptist, she served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, Missionary Society president and a deaconess. She is also a former vice president of the Columbia District Association’s Women’s Department of the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention of Arkansas, Inc.

She is survived by; Lonnie Williams (husband); children - Dr. Lonnie Ray Williams (Mary E.), David Lee Williams (Mary A.), Kathy L. Williams Gill (Joseph, Sr.), James A. Williams (Pam), and Rosetta Joshua Brunk (Robert); and sisters-in-law- Ruby J. Williams, Ellen Williams Futch and Dorothy “Dot” Williams. God blessed her to be a grandmother (18), great grandmother (29) and great great-grandmother (5). She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She loved laughter, family, and especially those grandchildren!

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St. Stephens MBC in memory of Mrs. Rosie M. Williams for the adult women Sunday School class.  St. Stephens MBC, 111 S. Smith Street, Stephens, AR 71764

Visitation for the public will begin at 5:30 on Monday, January 26, 2026, with an Eastern Star Ceremony beginning at 6:00. Funeral service is announced below. Rev. Charles Cooper will be the officiant and Rev. Daryl Hope will be the eulogist. 

Interment will be at the Gatlin Cemetery.