Ms. Inez Williams

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:6-7 Ms. Inez Williams, age 81, of Palestine, Arkansas, peacefully transitioned from labor to eternal reward on February 25, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. She was born on September 17, 1944, in Palestine, Arkansas, to the late Oliver Williams and Leona Mae Poole. Her life was a living epistle, read and felt by all who knew her, a vessel through which the love and grace of God continually flowed. At an early age, Inez gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized at Summerfield Missionary Baptist Church in Forrest City, Arkansas. From that moment forward, her steps were ordered by God, and she walked in faith, trusting Him through every season of her life. She was educated in the Forrest City School District and was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1963, a generation marked by perseverance, dignity, and purpose. As a young woman, she journeyed to Chicago, Illinois, where destiny continued to unfold. There she labored faithfully, working at Bekins Van Lines, serving as a crossing guard protecting the lives of children, and later giving many dedicated years of service to the Chicago City Clerk’s Office until her retirement. Even in the marketplace, her life reflected ministry, for wherever she was, kindness followed. When the call came to return home, she came not out of obligation, but out of love. She tenderly cared for her mother until her mother’s earthly journey was complete, fulfilling the commandment to honor thy father and thy mother not only in word, but in deed. Back in Arkansas, she continued her mission of service at the St. Francis County Health Unit, the Forrest City Senior Citizens Center, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was also a devoted foster parent, opening her heart and home to those who needed the embrace of a mother’s love. Her spiritual walk continued at Saints’ Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Pastor Michael Johnson, where she worshiped, fellowshipped, and grew in the knowledge of the Lord. She did not just attend church. She lived a saved life. Her kindness was her ministry. Her giving was her testimony. Her conversation was her fellowship. Inez found joy in the simple blessings God provided. She delighted in thrift shopping and rummage sales, planting flowers and tending to her garden, watching things grow as a reminder of the beauty of God’s creation. She loved people. She never met a stranger. Her heart was a well that never ran dry, always giving, always loving, always sharing. If you encountered her, you encountered warmth. If you spoke with her, you felt joy. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Georgia Lee Hardy, Francis Humphrey, Ora Lee Barton, Dorothy Poole, Carrie Smith, Larry Bond, and Rayfield Bond, who now stand with her in that great cloud of witnesses. She leaves to celebrate her legacy and cherish her precious memories her beloved children, Loretta (Larry) Foney of South Holland, Illinois, Raymond (Jennifer) Williams of Kearney, Nebraska, and Kareem Williams of Chicago, Illinois; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her devoted special partner of more than 20 years, Curtis McDaniel of Palestine, Arkansas; her loving siblings, James Bond of Palestine, Arkansas, Charlie (Willie) Bond of Little Rock, Arkansas, Danny (Louise) Bond of Palestine, Arkansas, and Leona Bond of North Little Rock, Arkansas; her best friend and cousin, Wavene Smith of Palestine, Arkansas; her daily companions in life and fellowship, Diane Barton of Palestine, Arkansas, Eddie Lee Humphrey, Melissa (Shedrich) McClinic, Yvonne Green, and Jerry (Carolyn) Green, all of Forrest City, Arkansas, and Anita (Anthony) Gaynor of Little Rock, Arkansas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends whose lives were enriched by her presence. Today we do not say goodbye. We say well done. Well done to a life of service. Well done to a life of love. Well done to a life of faith. Her work on earth is finished, her crown has been won, and she now rests in the presence of the Lord, where there is fullness of joy and peace forevermore.

Ms. Inez Williams

September 17, 1944 - February 25, 2026