Wanda Hackworth Williams

Wanda Hackworth Williams, 89, of Nevada, Mo., died peacefully, with her sons at her side, on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006, in Nevada. She was born Dec. 12, 1916, in Valiant, Okla., to Henry Payne and Betty Stone Hackworth. She married Marion Jay (M.J.) Williams on Sept. 16, 1935, in Hot Springs, Ark. He preceded her in death on Oct. 14, 1999. Wanda was also preceded in death by both parents, two brothers, and three sisters.

Wanda and M.J. came to Vernon County from Little Rock, Ark., in 1936 and lived here for most of their 63 years of marriage. Wanda was a devout Christian from an early age, a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, and active in Baptist Association work and teaching Sunday school. She was a 60-year member of Westminster Community Club. Her life's work included many years as a devoted mother and farmer's wife, plus employment at Montgomery Ward in Kansas City and at the old Nevada City Hospital.

Survivors include four sons, Rex Williams and Byron Williams of Nevada, Dennis Williams of rural Nevada, and Larry Williams of rural Bates City, Mo.; 10 grandchildren and their families, Eugene Williams of Rutland, Vt., Suzanne Reese of North Liberty, Iowa, Ronnie and Thad Williams, Melissa Scott, and Debbie O'Hora of rural Bates City, Michael Williams of rural Nevada, Mark, Carmen, and Nathan Williams of the Kansas City area; two daughters-in-law, Kay and Gayla; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted by John Nichols at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. A visitation will precede the service from 1-2 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada.

Memorials may be given to the Barone Alzheimer's Care Center in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com