Verna Elizabeth (Beard) Williams, 93, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, peacefully at home with her family by her side. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 20, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 21, at Bryan City Cemetery (back left corner), located at 111 North Texas Avenue, with the Rev. Bob Bray officiating.
Verna Beth was born on October 3, 1916, to Raymond and Amanda Lodisky (Hurt) Beard, at home near Milano, Texas, between the Sand Grove and Summit communities, and attended Cameron schools. Following graduation from Port Arthur Business School, she moved to Bryan and worked at the Ration Board during World War II. She married Glynn Anderson “Buddy” Williams Sr. on March 16, 1938. They founded Williams Insurance Agency, Williams Mortgage Company and Williams Real Estate, and she was instrumental in founding with him, First Federal Savings and Loan of Bryan. She served as an assistant to Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson for many years. She was actively involved in the Democratic Party and the Brazos River Authority as her husband served as Chairman for over 25 years in each. Verna Beth was active in the First Christian Church where she taught Sunday School, Woman’s Civic League, Oaks Garden Club and the Bryan Quota Club where she served as officers. At age 77, she started MeMa’s Pralines, an upscale gourmet candy company, shipping her famous pralines nationwide and to many countries throughout the world. She and her husband created a foundation that has provided scholarships to several hundred corps members at Texas A&M University over the past 60 years. She was always involved in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives. Verna Beth was an avid bridge and domino player and a devoted friend to many.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glynn Anderson “Buddy” Williams Sr.; parents, Raymond and Amanda Lodisky (Hurt) Beard; and brother, Garland Beard.
Survivors include her daughter, Martha Ann Williams, of College Station; son and daughter-in-law, Glynn Anderson Jr. “Sonny” and Jean Williams of Wheelock; Niece, Mary Ann Stutts of San Marcos; granddaughters, Cindy Jarrott and husband Billy of College Station, Tracy Farris and husband Mitch of Midway, and Kim Decker of Euless; great-grandchildren, Lacee Putz, Kristy Putz, Amanda Jarrott, Jewel Jarrott and Faith Farris; great-great-grandson Blaine Michael Noak; and her treasured companion chihuahua, Blanca.
The family would like to gratefully thank and acknowledge Dr. James F. Cooper and Dr. Anup Amin, her loving caregivers, Margaret Moore-Stewart, Johnnie Ludd, Waverlon Williams, Tamara Henderson, and Queen Gamble, and all those who remembered her in their prayers.
In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to A&M United Methodist Church, 417 University Drive, College Station, Texas 77840; the Michelle Lynn Holsey Foundation, P.O. Box 652, Crockett, Texas 75835; Wheelock Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 302, Wheelock, Texas 77882; or the Wheelock Civic Association, P.O. Box 222, Wheelock, Texas 77882.
Please leave condolences at www.CallawayJones.com
Martha, I am so sorry to read of MeMa’s passing. I know she will be missed by many.
I called my mom as soon as I saw the notice. She also was sad to hear the news. My mom Josie Guijarro enoyed the time she spend with her.