It is with deep reverence to announce the passing of Mother Mary Pearl Williams, a woman whose extraordinary life and unwavering faith have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on October 24, 1930, in the serene town of Lowndesboro, situated within Lowndes County, Alabama, Mary was the beloved daughter of James Jackson Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Dudley Jackson. It was on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Mary's journey of faith on this earth became sight.

From a young age, Mary's roots were firmly planted in faith, a foundation she continued to build upon throughout her life. In the loving embrace of the holiness church, she found solace and purpose, becoming a devout member of the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Elder Stewart Bishop, Sr., when the family relocated to Diamond Ohio in 1948. It was within these sacred walls that Mary met the love of her life, Lincoln Williams, and together, they cultivated a union that stood the test of time for 51 years until Lincoln's passing in 2004.

A published author, Mother Mary shared her memoirs and reflections, The Life of Mary Pearl Williams & Family: My Journey of Faith and Family, as a gift and lasting testament for generations. Her faith formation was further emboldened as a member of Phillips Chapel COGIC under the spiritual guidance of Superintendent Emeritus Paul A. Loggins.

As the matriarch of both her family and her church, Mother Mary Pearl Williams embodied the essence of a virtuous woman, as described in the scriptures. With grace and humility, she served as the esteemed church mother of Heavenly Place COGIC, under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Elder Stafford Jackson. Her talents extended beyond the spiritual realm, as she skillfully sewed handkerchiefs and tended to bountiful gardens, a testament to her resourcefulness and industrious spirit.

Mother Mary embodied the essence of motherhood in her nurturing spirit, using every opportunity as a teachable moment. Her home was the unofficial location for after-school and summer enrichment programs to her grandchildren as well. She used these times to impart wisdom, knowledge and values such as watching the Ten Commandments or foraging for berries in the woods with them.

Mother Mary's legacy transcends mere material possessions, for she has bequeathed to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a rich inheritance of values and virtues. Her teachings on hard work, love, and unwavering faith will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her wisdom and grace. She poured into her legacy bearers a steep history of traditions deeply rooted in a strong work ethic, fearlessness, love, understanding of the importance of God, and the bond of family togetherness.

Mother Mary leaves to embrace an enduring legacy her children, Matrica Ann (Hosea) Britt of Bedford Heights, Jesse Williams of Hubbard, Lorinda (Andrew) Carlisle of Hubbard, Diane Houston of Youngstown, Lincoln “Nate” (Faun) Williams Sr. of Liberty and her daughter- in- law Elizabeth Jackson of Hubbard.

Mother Mary leaves cherished memories and sustained bonds with her brothers Elder Lewis (Simmie) Jackson, Elder Stafford (Jean) Jackson and sister Jill (Elder Charles) Conway; sisters-in-law Gloria Jackson and Jacqueline Jackson.

Mother Mary was an excellent nurturer to her thirteen exceptional grandchildren, eleven beautiful great-grandchildren and ten adoring great-great grandchildren as she charged them with maintaining the faith with integrity. Complementing her immediate family, Mother Mary also leaves an expansive host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends within the faith community who will uphold her memory.

Now assuming her place among a great cloud of witnesses, Mother Mary was lovingly embraced by her parents, her beloved husband, son Eddie Jackson, grandson Eddie Jackson Jr., brothers James Jackson Jr., Willie Jackson, Elder John Jackson, James Jackson III, Elder Clarence Jackson, Tommie Jackson, sister Bernice Hallman and sister-in-law Sarah Jackson as she crossed the celestial sands into eternity. However, she rejoiced at the appearing of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as she entered the Church Triumphant!

The services to honor the life of Mary Pearl Williams, who will be reposed at the Heavenly Place Church of God in Christ, 1350 Katherine Ave, Youngtown will be held Tuesday August 27, 2024, with a public viewing and family visitation at 9:00 am. The celebration of her legacy will begin at 10:00 am with Pastor Charles Robinson Jr presiding and Dr. Mark T. Jackson delivering the eulogy.

Following the committal ceremony, Mother Mary will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband at Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave. Mother Mary will forever be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering faith, and dedication to her family and God. She now rests in peace, with the knowledge that her labor was not in vain for the Lord.

At this most intimate time, the beloved family of Mother Mary Pearl Williams elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown OH 330.782.8500