Mother Williams had photographic memory and could quote everything from Shakespeare to Wordsworth.

Mother Mary P. Williams, known not only as the mother of the pastor, but the senior mother of the church,Mt.Zion Fellowship , will be eulogized on Thursday, October 18, at 11:00 a.m., by her son, Dr. C. Ronald S. Williams at the celebration of a life well lived.

Mother Williams will lie in state atMt.Zion Fellowship,4265 Northfield Rd., in Highland Hills on  Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. There was also public viewing on Tuesday.

In the words of Pastor Ron..."an angel, Mary Pearline McAdams, was born in Abbeville      

County,South Carolina. She was the fourth of ten children born to Ollie and Leila McAdams.

As we honor the life of Mother Mary P. Williams we must first give God the Glory for the great things he has done. For this child would light the torch of love and kindness which would burn throughout generations."

Mary Williams began her journey of higher education at Barber-Scotia College, a historically Black College, before she received her BA degree in political science from Johnson C. Smith University in 1944. While attending Johnson C. Smith University she was a Charter member of the Gamma Lambda chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.  She later received her Master of Science Degree fromCaseWestern ReserveUniversityinCleveland,Ohio. A Jennings Scholar, she took pride in the fact that she taught in the Cleveland Public school system for over 40 years. Her first teaching experience began in Due West Township, Abbeville County, South Carolina, where “all” of her students passed their state proficiency exams.

Mary was married to Dr. C. St. Clair Williams, and became his helpmate in the ministry, building and serving many churches within the A.M.E Zion community. While serving as the “First Lady,” she was a great inspiration and example to other pastors’ wives, teaching them how to serve in their leadership roles. She organized “The Daughter’s ofZion” while serving as the first lady of St. Peters AME Zion church. She served as District Officer of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society for 12 years. Her dynamic leadership in the church and in her educational profession will continue to flourish for years to come.

Mother Williams had photographic memory and could quote everything from Shakespeare to Wordsworth.  Her children often sat amazed, listening to her recite her favorite poems and hymns she learned as a child.

She leaves to celebrate her home going three devoted children, Dr. Williamd, Rosalyn Williams-Dennis (Geoff), who was the primary caregiver during Mother Williams final days, and Margaret Williams Walker, who also assisted in the loving care of their mother. Six grandchildren, Clifton Williams, Stephon Hart (BreAnna), Stephanie Hart (Ron), Christian Williams, Bishop Walker, and Emanuel Walker and two great grandsons, Elisha and Kaleb Hart. Her loving and devoted sister Mabel F. Jones, her loving and devoted nephew Ollie McAdams III (June), loving niece Wanda Miller, Paige and Alex and a host of other relatives and friends.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her extended family…Karolyn Ochier Williams, Hilman Lindsey (Myrdis), Joan Cade, Marcel and Jesse Caver and families, as well as the entire Church Family of Mt. Zion.

Lucas Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.