Mrs. Geneva (Bass) Williams passed away on June 14, 2016 to join loved ones in a better place. She was our beloved Mother, beloved Grandmother, Great Grandmother, loyal friend, and was “Maw Maw.” She was married to W. E. Williams for over 52 years. She was also preceded in death by sister, Vera Ivy. Geneva (“Maw Maw”) was loved by family, friends, and everyone who knew her.
Geneva grew up in Ardis Heights and enjoyed riding horses. She once rode a horse bareback down Lee Street when she was 15. She was born October 23, 1917, in Kansas and she lived almost 99 years. Her favorite movie song was “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
She lived a long life and was spared many illnesses and suffering until a few months before her death. Truly, she was a thankful woman who always felt blessed, never complained and was a strong Christian. Some of her years as a young mother were spent with life-long friends at Lee Street Methodist Church, often hosting closest friends on Sundays for snacks and fellowship. She and her husband, “Buck”, enjoyed traveling with their closest friends and family and loved visiting with relatives, neighbors and friends.
Geneva was kind, considerate, and always thought of others first. She thanked everyone every time someone helped her, no matter how small the deed. She was the most positive, supportive person to any friend. She always looked on the bright side of everything. She was the most unique person, who often stated her blessings were many, and she was thankful for her happiness, her family, and her friends. She enjoyed her more than 30 years of work as a switchboard operator at Southwestern Bell, and the many friends she worked with. She often chose a “split shift” so she could rush home to cook dinner, wash clothes, and spend time with her family. Her years of volunteering as a pink lady at the Hunt County Regional Hospital were a display of her constant compassion for others. She always stood by family and friends, even if she was disappointed, focusing on her love and support.
Geneva is survived by sons, Don Edward Williams and wife June, and Joe L. Williams and wife Donna, all of Greenville. Also, God-daughter Linda White and husband Dale of Campbell. Grandchildren are: Stacey Nieves and husband Danny of Tampa, Brandon Williams and wife Lesley of Sulphur Springs, Jennifer Maxwell of Royse City, Shannon Jade Joy and husband Ryan of Austin, Kelcey Williams and husband Blaine Mettura of Bastrop, and Shay Shirley and husband Randy of Katy. Greatgrandchildren include: Tyler Maxwell, Tanner Maxwell and wife Brittany, Trenton Maxwell, Alex Nieves, Matthew Nieves, Merrin Williams, Anna Claire Williams, Jakob Shirley, Kylie Shirley, and Jude Mettura. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Services will be held at the chapel of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home on Saturday June 18th, 2016 at 2:00pm with Rev. Stephen Cotten officiating. Visitation will be at 1:00pm until service time. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends contributions to the charity of one’s choice.
On behalf of Geneva Williams, the family wishes to thank for their excellent and kind care of all who served her - nurses, physicians, and other staff at Hunt Regional Hospital, Vibrant Home Health Care, and Vitas Hospice.