WILLIAMS, MARY EVANS, July 13, 1907 – August 11, 2004

Mary “Mae” Evans Williams, age 97, former elementary teacher of Oneida School District, died at Oneida County Nursing Home on August 11, 2004 of natural causes. She was born June 13, 1907 in Malad, Idaho to Daniel K. and Sarah Jane Jones Evans. She attended school in the Malad Valley, graduating in 1925.

She married John “Black Jack” Morse Williams in Pocatello, ID, March 16, 1929. He passed away September 8, 1961. They lived one year in Burley, Idaho before returning to Malad.

Mary attended Albion State Normal School for one year, earning a three year teaching certificate. She taught primary grades in West Daniels, Idaho, and then taught an additional two years at Riverside near Blackfoot, Idaho. Mary attended summer school during the summers of 1927-28 in order to renew her teaching certificate. After her marriage she stopped teaching until her children were in school and then she returned to her career in Oneida County Schools – beginning first in Holbrook, ID, then continuing 15 years as elementary music teacher, and finally, returning to Holbrook a few years before her retirement in 1972. While attending summer school at Utah State University, she earned her Bachelors in 1965 and her Masters Degree in 1967.

Music was an important part of her life. As a young adult she played piano in the orchestra that played at the old LeGrande Hall in Malad. She taught piano lessons for years and while working as elementary music teacher, she had grade school programs at Christmas and spring. In addition, Mary worked with youth choirs that entertained various chapters of American War Mothers, of which she was a member.

Mary was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving for years as organist and accompanist for youth and adult groups. In August of 1972, she served for eighteen months in the George-South Carolina Mission. After returning from her mission, she worked as a visiting teacher and activity coordinator for the Special Interest groups. In addition to music, she loved handwork and making quilts and afghans. It was very important for Mary that each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren all enjoy gifts of her handiwork. She worked very hard to accomplish that goal.

Mary is survived by her two sisters, Ardelle Williams of Malad, Idaho and Myrtle Hess of Canyon lake California; sister-in-law Flora Evans of Garden Grove, California; her nine children, Myra Jean (Dennis) John of Malad; Marvis (Warn) Culver of Meridian, ID; Carolyn Ward of Malad; Rochelle (Bob) Evans of Roy, Utah; Jack (Joyce) Williams of Scottsdale, AZ; Brent (Myrna) Williams of Salt Lake City, UT; Sondra Robbins of Hamilton, Montana; Dwight (Jan) Williams of Fallbrook, Ca; and Rick (Lynn) Williams of Salt Lake City, UT. She is further survived by 43 grandchildren, 99 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel K. and Sarah Jane Jones Evans; three sisters, Anna Jones, Kate Edwards and Darlene Evans (infant); and two brothers, Daniel J. Evans and William G. Evans; four brothers-in-law Lewis Jones, Warren Edwards, Orlin Hess and Bland Williams; one sister-in-law, Mary Sue Evans; two sons-in-law, Jon C. Ward and John V. Robbins; three grandsons, Kim Hess, Jerry Winegar and Bobby Evans; and two granddaughters, Matisse Williams and Jacklyn Robbins.

Funeral services was held in Malad 2nd/5th Ward Chapel on August 16. Burial was at the Malad Cemetery.