Mary Ann Williams

The life of Mary Ann Williams included academic and career success, support for efforts of those in need, travel, and many other blessings. However, her focus was love, harmony, and charity. Her quiet nature did not necessarily reveal her determined spirit. One would need to debate with her regarding sports or politics to get a glimpse of that fierce determination.

Mary Ann, born June 16, 1944, was the third child and first daughter born to Herschel and Patsy Williams. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Kim, Jeffrey, Yolanda (Landy), Michael, Ronald (Little Skeet) and Dennis (Skeeter); and nephew, Aaron. During the mid-day hours of April 25, 2026, Mary Ann took God’s hand and traveled home peacefully surrounded by her family.

Mary Ann was baptized at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at an early age but later transferred her membership to Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church. She actively worked on the Hospitality Committee and served well until illness prohibited her.

She was affectionately known as “Ann” to her family. Educated in the Lincoln Heights School System, she was active in many extracurriculars. Throughout her high school years, she sang in the school choir, was editor of the school newspaper, served as a statistician for the boys’ basketball team, and graduated valedictorian of her class in 1962. She continued her education at The Ohio State University.

Ann began her career as a file clerk and one of the first black employees at AT&T, Inc. Ann excelled in her employment by later becoming a manager in the organization. She was named “Who’s Who in Cincinnati” by the United Way for her contributions. She not only contributed to the company, but also to her family, friends, and strangers. Her compas-sionate nature was often displayed during the holidays as she contributed to charity by adopting complete families each year at Christmas. She also helped raise her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews.

A sports buff, Ann enjoyed and could debate with you on basketball, football, baseball, golf, and tennis. She did not leave her doctor’s office without them discussing the latest tennis match. She was also an avid book reader.

Ann enjoyed taking her younger siblings on vacation and she traveled extensively with her mother, sister and cousin on cruises and numerous trips to Las Vegas.

Ann’s cherished memories live on through: her beloved sisters, Gwendolyn (Gwen), Leslie, Inda, Felicia and Dorothy (DeeDee); nephews, Terrance (Terry), David, Tony, Dennis Jr. (Skeetie), Justin, Camron and Tyler; and nieces, Alexandria (Alex), Amber, Whitney, Alicia, Ashley and Chelsea. Memories are also cherished by great-nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Her family will miss her presence, but will be comforted by many memories.

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