In Loving Memory of Marita Williamson

Our beloved Grandmother lived a life marked by resilience, strength, and an unwavering capacity to love. She experienced more hardship than most, outliving all of her children, yet through it all, she carried one of the sweetest, most gentle hearts this world has ever known.

She was the definition of independence, living life on her own terms and continuing to cook for herself well into her 90s, right up until the age of 94. Her strength was quiet but powerful, and her determination never wavered.

To know her was to feel loved. She had a way of making every person feel seen, valued, and deeply wanted. She didn’t just meet people, she connected with them. Whether you knew her for years or just a moment, she had a gift for turning strangers into friends and friends into family.

Her heart extended far beyond people. She had a special love for animals, always caring for them with tenderness and compassion. Even the day before she passed, she made sure the stray orange tabby she lovingly named Cheeto was fed, a simple but powerful reflection of who she was at her core: selfless, nurturing, and full of love.

She was a loyal friend, a safe place, and a steady presence for those fortunate enough to truly know her. Her love ran deep, and she gave it freely, to her family, her friends, and every furry soul that crossed her path.

Predeceased by:

Parents: Elmer Edward (E.E.) McDonald and Ila Fay (nee Appleton) McDonald

Jack C. Riley, Rix Earl Williamson, husbands

Jerry L. Riley, Teddy B. Riley, sons and Cathy L. (Riley) Howser, daughter

Brandy Simpson, granddaughter

Edith Leona (McDonald) Mings Hicks, sister and husbands Cecil Mings and Allen L. Hicks

Edward L. McDonald, brother and wife Virginia (Stephens)McDonald Palmer

Norman A. McDonald, brother and wife Betty Jo (Crump)McDonald

Laquita G. (McDonald) Matthews, sister and husband Derrell Matthews

Lyndol Dale Mings, nephew

Edward Dale McDonald, nephew

Patricia “Pat” (Mings)Tumlinson, niece

Nadean (Mings) Martin, niece

She is lovingly survived by her son-in-law, Jim Howser and his wife Susan Howser; her granddaughter’s, Dawn Thomas, Danielle Smith, and Dena Spinks, and Shane Heslin; her grandson’s, Adam Thomas, Dusty Smith, Jamie Spinks, and Tim Heslin; her great-grandsons, Kason and Kyler Thomas, JD Spinks, and Colin Heslin; her great-granddaughters, Payetan Anthony (and her 3 children), Roslyn Spinks, and Riley Heslin.

Barbara (Mings) Hall, niece and husband Jim Hall (Chris, Kyle)

Betty Catherine (Mings) Hendon, niece (her children and husband are deceased)

Paula (McDonald) McKnight, niece (not sure children’s names, I have lost touch)

Sarah (Matthews) Stelzer niece and husband John Stelzer (Joseph, Jason, Rebecca and Joshua)

Debra Kay (Matthews) Clinard niece and husband Rodney Clinard (Jeremy)

Stephen Matthews, nephew and wife Gina Matthews (Zachary, Addie)

Her dearest friend, Linda Hinkle and family.

A special thank you to Jim and Susan Howser for the extra care and home you so lovingly provided for her. She was extremely blessed by your hearts and generosity.

Though Marita’s life was not always easy, she chose kindness. She chose love. And she gave both in abundance.

We will miss her deeply, but we carry her with us, in the way we love others, in the care we show, and in the quiet strength she taught us by example.

Until we meet again, our precious Grandma.