Shirley "Meme" Williams

Godfrey: Shirley "Meme" Williams, 80, formerly of East Alton, passed away at 9:09am on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at her daughter's residence in Bethalto. She was born on November 29, 1936, in Rolla, Missouri, the daughter of the late Judge Cletis and Veeda L. (Johnson) Fowler. She married George R. Williams on February 12, 1955, in Alton, and he preceded her in death on April 30, 2006. Survivors include a son and daughter in law: Ricky R. Williams and his wife: Colleen of East Alton, two daughters and sons in law: Sue Brown Nonn and her husband: Steve of Granite City, Sandy Tharp and her husband: Kevin of Bethalto, eight grandchildren: Travis Williams and his wife: Renee, Kyle Brown and his wife: Mary Kate, Eric Williams, Jordan Carlisle and her husband: Brent, Kelsie Brown, Brittany Visser and her husband: Frank, Scotty Williams, Kevin “BK” Tharp, seven great grandchildren: Zachary Williams, Emily Williams, Payton Sanders, Paizley Carlisle, Vinny Visser, Audrey Brown, Chase Visser, two sisters and a brother in law: Margie Minard of Wood River, Linda and Steve Arbuthnot of Rosewood Heights, and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. Shirley was formerly employed in the dietary department at Alton Memorial Hospital prior to retiring in 1988 so she could watch her grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers: Hike, Leo, Clete, and Doak. In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Friday, March 10, 2017, at the funeral home. Pastor Martin Schultz will officiate. Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana. Memorials are suggested to Hope Rescues, P.O. Box 397, Godfrey, Illinois 62035 and will be accepted at the funeral home.