Gladys Williams' Obituary
Decatur-Gladys (Hays) Williams, 97, of Auburn, Ind., formerly of Decatur, Ill., passed away October 2, 2010 at Betz Nursing Home in Auburn, Ind. following a brief illness.
A service of memory and tribute will be held at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home in Decatur, Ill., at 2:30 p.m. Friday, October 8, 2010, with the Rev. Dr. William C. Ellis of Scott Depot, W.Va. officiating. Visitation will be from 1-2:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Macon County Memorial Park in Harristown, Ill. Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church Memorial, 1203 E. 7th St. Auburn, IN 46706. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Gladys was born December 8, 1912, in Macon County, Ill., to William Asberry Hays and Mamie Eulalia (Hinsey) Hays. Gladys graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in Decatur, Ill., in 1931. She married Ornan A. Williams December 8, 1933. He died September 1, 1989. She lived in Decatur, Ill., until she moved to Auburn, Ind., in 2001.
She was a longtime member of Peoples Church of God in Decatur, Ill., where she served as president of the Women of the Church of God for six years and, along with her husband, as a youth teacher and counselor for eight years. After moving to Auburn, Ind., she was a member of the Auburn Presbyterian Church, eventually transferring her membership to First United Methodist Church in order to attend services with her son and daughter-in-law until the time of her passing.
She had a love for gospel music and was an avid reader. Over the years, she developed a great interest in politics and sports ' especially for the Chicago Cubs. Gladys was a staunch Christian who loved the Lord with all that was in her. She was known to be a caring friend to those around her.
She is survived by three children, Ornan Dale (wife, Maureen) Williams of Auburn, Ind.; Edwin Keith (wife, Shirley) Williams of Aurora, Colo.; Ben Eugene (wife, Karen) Williams of Darley, England; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mamie Hays; brothers William Clarence Hays and Walter Dean Hays; sister Pearl Irene Hays; husband Ornan A. Williams; daughter-in-law E. Jane Williams and grandson Brian Williams.
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