Emma "Polly" Kiser Williams

Obituary For Emma "Polly" Kiser Williams

( June 27, 1948--May 21, 2026 )

ATHENS--The Celebration of Life for Emma "Polly" (Kiser) Williams will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with Pastor E. Freeman officiating, and Rev. Victorio Rockmore serving as eulogist. Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction of John R. Harmon Undertaking Co.

Emma was the fifth child of eighteen children born to the late Frederick and Ola Esther Rockmore Kiser on June 27, 1948, in Bynum, Texas (Hill County).

She received her early education through Bynum Schools, attended Fisher School in Athens, Texas during her secondary years, and furthered her education at Henderson County Junior College.

Emma was a faithful member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, where she served diligently as an usher until her health began to fail. She first united in marriage with the late Eddie Robert, and from this forty-year union three children were welcomed. Pinkie Jeanette, preceded Emma in death. Emma later married the late Joe Williams, and although no children were born to this union, they shared companionship and love together.

Affectionately known throughout the community as “Polly” or “Mama Polly,” she was loved by many and known for her warm spirit, loving heart, and generous hospitality. Polly enjoyed playing dominoes and cards, styling hair with her famous press and curls and roller sets, cooking delicious meals, and spending time surrounded by her beloved family and friends. Her peach cobbler, meatloaf, poke salad, and pineapple cake were favorites that will forever live in the memories of those who knew and loved her. On any given Sunday, her yard would be filled with family — both related by blood and bonded through love.

On May 21, 2026, God watered His garden with plentiful rainfall and saw the need for another beautiful flower. He dispatched angels to Athens, Texas, and stationed them by her bedside. At 7:17 p.m., "Polly" spread her wings and peacefully transitioned into the arms of Jesus with family by her side.

Emma Williams was preceded in death by her son, Leslie Robert; daughter, Pinkie Jeanette; bonus daughter, Gheniqua Kiser; her parents, Frederick and Ola Esther Kiser; and twelve siblings, Johnny, Georgia, Frederick, James, Charlie, Clayborne, Calvin, Patricia, Alvin, Dewayne, Alvis, and Yolanda.

Left to cherish her precious memories and carry her legacy forward are her daughters, Cassondra Harden (Edward Sr.) and Kinjii Nelson; sons, Anando Robert and Darren Richie; a nephew she raised as her own, Cedric Kiser; grandchildren, Edward Harden Jr., Allen Harden (Chelsea), Tyler Russell, Taylor Russell, A’Niya Robert, Keistan Robert, Kahden Robert, Malachi Williams, Malcolm Williams, Alijah Cook, Messiah Cook, and Ma’Khi Cook; a host of great-grandchildren; siblings, David Kiser (Ruby), Esther Thompson, Barbara Walker (Johnny Sr.), Ray Kiser (Helen), and Samuel Kiser; brother-in-law, Homer Sanders; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

The final chapter in the Book of Life for Emma Marie “Polly” Kiser Williams has been completed, but her love, laughter, and legacy will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

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