WILMINGTON — Mary Helen Gunter Williams, 84, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020.
She was born May 18, 1936, near Sanford to James Everett Gunter and Lizzie Vivian Thomas, who both preceded her in death.
Mary lived in Wilmington and worked at College Park Elementary School for several years, having been affectionately known there as Miss Mary. She was a longtime member of Winter Park Baptist Church, having taught the 4th grade Sunday school class for over 20 years. She was known for her kindness and generosity to others. She believed in serving others and spent time helping church members with their needs. She also liked to feed others, and her black walnut pound cakes and carrot cakes were always in demand.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Donald Robert Williams Sr.; sisters Lula, Annie and Ruby; and brothers, Joseph, James, Franklin, Harvey and Lewis.
Surviving are her three children, Karen W. Sholar, and her husband, Chris, Lori A. Williams and Donald Robert “Rob” Williams Jr., and his wife, Elaine; five grandchildren, Lewis A. “Trey” Venters III, Hobie L. Sholar, Colton R. Sholar, Caroline C. Williams and Ian R. Williams, all of Wilmington; and sister, Ruth Cole Fisher, and her husband, Steve, of Sanford.
Mary graduated from Deep River School in 1954. On Sept. 2, 1956, Mary married Donald Robert Williams at Flat Springs Baptist Church near Sanford. In 1964, Donald and Mary moved to Wilmington.
Family visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 20, at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation. A burial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21, at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
Flowers may be sent in care of Wilmington Funeral & Cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Eastern North Carolina Chapter.
Share online condolences with the family at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
