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Obituary For Mrs. Mary Watts Williams
Mary Charles Burris Watts-Williams, fondly known as "MaMary" was summoned by Heavenly Angels on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 9:56 p.m. She happily joined the Angels as her loving family surrounded her singing "I Come to the Garden Alone". MaMary was born on July 20, 1928, to Ed Brown and Oveter Mashaw Burris in York, SC. She was also preceded in death by one son, Wilford Watts; six brothers, Nathaniel Burris, Haskell Burris, James Glenn Crosby, John Brown, Walter Brown, and Bob Brown; four sisters, Inez Greene, Martha Perkins, Zelda Love and Mary Louise Moore; and one great granddaughter, Charlise Tatham.
Being raised by a God-fearing mother, Oveter M. Burris, Mary learned at an early age to care for and nurture her six younger siblings. She was a virtuous woman who not only had outer beauty but inner beauty as well. Mary knew the importance of a relationship with God, and encouraged her children, family, and friends to seek a life grounded in Christ Jesus. For the past 50 years she has been known as the Matriarch of the Burris Family. She was educated in the High Point City Schools, where she excelled in her academics. Mary was a dedicated employee for many years at Heritage Furniture of High Point and retired from the Garment District in New York City.
She married her first love William “Willie” Watts and from this union were three children, Brenda, Wilford, and Gilda. Her second marriage was to Walter Bell Williams.
Her love for sewing became apparent at an early age. Her creative ability led her to become a seamstress by trade and she nourished that God given talent by designing and making very stylish clothes to fit her tall and lean stature, clothes for all occasions for her children, band uniforms, wedding and evening gowns for family and friends, beautiful draperies, bedspreads, and altar apparel for church communion just to name a few. Also because of her talent as a beautician, she was given the opportunity to meet and style the hair of the famous jazz singer, Nancy Wilson.
As a faithful member of the Memorial United Methodist Church, Mary served as a Communion Steward, member of the United Methodist Women and Silver and Gold Ministries. In younger years, she served on the Usher Board and as church announcer. She also served as the advisor for the Inspirational Choir, accompanying them on many singing engagements.
Mary, leaves behind to treasure her precious memories, two daughters: Brenda W. Wright Sayres (John) of Liberty, NC, and Gilda Watts (Roy Mark/Friend) of Greensboro, NC; one sister, Bertha McLendon of Greensboro, NC; two granddaughters: Wytina Tatham (Charles) of Union, NJ and Valerie W. Bradley (Norris) of Meridianville, AL; two great-grandsons: Christian and Cole Tatham, of Union, NJ; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, caring neighbors and friends.
Funeral service will be held Friday, September 30, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 11:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
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Mr. Andre Perkins sent Cherished Friend Bouquet for Mrs. Mary Watts Williams - September 30, 2022
From Andre, LaTonya, and children: In your grief, may the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Stately Croton was sent for Mrs. Mary Watts Williams - September 29, 2022
The Peace Lily was sent for Mrs. Mary Watts Williams - September 28, 2022
Aleveta F Little planted 5 trees in memory of Mrs. Mary Watts Williams . - October 01, 2022
Gilda and Family, Sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and the family.
DeLynn Bostic and Family
Thomas & Annie Simmons 111 and family our Prayers and Blessing are with you. Love Andrea Simmons-Joiner
My life has forever changed. You were a very sweet and loving person. I am going to truly miss that beautiful smile, and that sweet little voice of yours, and the talks as well as the visits....I am forever grateful for the time that I got to spend with you and Gilda... Get your rest Aunt Mary, Gone too soon, forever in my heart. I will Always love you..... Maria
To Gilda, Brenda, and the Watts-Williams Family Our Thoughts are with you. May friends and family give you strength at this time of sorrow. We know you are suffering a tremendous loss, but remember, there is a celebration in Heaven! Hester, Vernice, Augusta, Ementress, Frances & Marshall
Condolences Family, Sorry to hear of the loss of our cousin Mary. It seems that Mary lived a full and vibrant life. She was a very good mother who loved her family dearly.She was always a great beauty and I remember her being kind and soft spoken. Mary and my mother, Geneva Byers, were good friends and grew up as teenagers and beyond in High Point. I have fond memories of spending time with my cousins. God bless and keep you at this time and always. Love, Lois Byers Bailey
Sending love and blessing to such a class-act family matriarch. Mes. Williams, you will be missed. To Brenell, Brenda and Guilda those "young" genes run deep.
Mic
Ma Mary, I will miss that beautiful smile you always had when I saw you. You always made me feel as if I was one of your children from the first time we met. You and your family welcomed me, as I had no family in High Point. Gilda, Brenda and family God has gained a beautiful Angel. You are in my prayers and my heart. Love you Ma💞. Jackie Astrop
What a beautiful and intriguing woman Cousin Mary Williams was! Her God given talent to create beautiful things came from her loving heart. When my mother died in Columbus Ohio, nine years ago, her gorgeous plant was the first to arrive. I will never forget that. Sincere Condolences to her lovely daughters and the family. One day Jesus will awaken our dead loved ones from the graves. Acts 24:15 What a glorious day that will be when that trumpet sounds!
One of the beautiful souls to ever live and know your soul is with God your maker. You will be missed and lived forever. Will see you again on that great day. Love Your Tiny(Shonda)
My Beautiful Aunt Mary, you Always had that Big Beautiful smile for everyone. I can truly say that you loved All my brothers, nieces and me. Will Always miss you but you will forever be in out hearts💔
I am so sorry for your loss she's not my Aunt but I've always called her Aunt Mary rest in your father's arms no more pain no more worries you may rest now
To the Williams and Barrow family. You all have my condolences. May the Lord give you His peace during this difficult time.
Keep the faith. Terri McLeod
My sincere prayers and condolences during this time of bereavement in the loss of such a sweet and lovely lady Mrs. Mary. We will truly miss seeing her visit at Bethel A.M.E. Church with her sister Mama Bertha, daughters Brenda and Gilda. May God continue to bless you, give you all comfort and peace today and for the days to come. Love you all. Bertha Brown
Mrs. Mary was such a sweet and loving Lady. She was not only beautiful on the outside; but beautiful on the inside as well. She will definitely be missed. To my friends, Brenda and Gilda, just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Mother will always have a place in my heart. Love you all. Dennie Faye Hill
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
