On August 14, 2025, our beloved mother, grandmother, and servant of God, Marie Williams, received her heavenly wings.Born on November 25, 1938, in Grandfield, Oklahoma, Marie was the cherished daughter of Warren Henderson and Jimmie Lee Gilmore Henderson. She was one of five siblings, including her twin sister, Margie; her baby sister, Lettie Henderson; her eldest brother, Elree Henderson; and her youngest brother, Jackie Ray Henderson, who survives her today. 
Marie experienced loss early in life. Her mother passed away when she was only six years old, and her father when she was nineteen. Despite these hardships, she carried remarkable strength and resilience. 
At just sixteen years old, Marie became a mother, welcoming her first child, Vicki Wingfield Johnson. Motherhood at such a young age required her to grow up quickly, balancing work and responsibility. She took whatever respectable work was available to provide for her family, and as Vicki would later say  she too worked the cotton fields in those years. With the help of her twin sister Margie, Marie took her first bold step forward, moving to Wichita Falls, Texas. There, she began working as a waitress while Margie lovingly cared for Vicki, until Marie was able to reunite her daughter with her. 
In 1961, she met the love of her life, John E. Williams, and they married in 1963. Together they built a home filled with warmth, faith, and perseverance. As one of the first young Black families in their community to purchase a home, they created a foundation of stability and pride for their children and future generations. Within those walls, Marie and John lovingly raised their three children:Vicki, Eric, and Susan. 
Marie worked diligently for many years as a housekeeper before joining Sheppard Air Force Base, where she built a distinguished 33-year career. She advanced from housekeeping to inspector and became an active member of the employees’ union. Her work ethic, integrity, and dedication were evident in every role she held. 
Above all else, Marie’s greatest devotion was to her relationship with Jesus Christ. She gave her life to Christ in the early 1970s and became a dedicated member of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). For more than four decades, she served faithfully in numerous capacities: Sunday School teacher, prayer warrior, district adjutant, chairman of the women’s department, and assistant state president of communion, among others. 
On January 9, 1994, Marie was installed as District Missionary of the Wichita Falls District by State Mother Victorine Mackey. She served with distinction in this role for over 20 years, leaving an indelible mark on her district and state. During her tenure, on January 30, 2010, she was appointed Adjutant Sister President, a highly prestigious role within the Church of God in Christ. Marie carried these responsibilities with grace, authority, and unwavering dedication. 
Her ministry was not confined to the church walls — she spread it throughout her family. She played a pivotal role in raising many of her grandchildren, ensuring they were active participants in YPWW, Sunday School, district meetings, state gatherings, and national conventions. Her home was always a place of refuge and faith, where generations could find both love and direction. So powerful was her example that even her lighthearted husband, John, eventually embraced church leadership, serving faithfully as a deacon. 
Through her service, Marie touched countless lives  not only in her church, but across her family and community. 
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Jimmie Lee Henderson; her siblings Margie, Lettie, and Elree Henderson; and her children Vicki Wingfield Johnson and Bart Eric Williams. 
She leaves to cherish her memory her children Susan Lewis and Micha Lewis; her brother, Jackie Ray Henderson of Oklahoma City; 20 beloved grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and the church family she dearly loved. 
Marie’s life was one of faith, family, and fortitude. She will be remembered for her steadfast love for God, her devotion to those she cherished most, her strength in the face of hardship, and her joyful humor even when recalling the days when she told us no pants in her house and  continuously asked  us on almost a daily basis “You don’t believe fat meat greasy do you” 
Though her earthly journey has ended, Marie’s bright smile, strong spirit, prayers, and her legacy of love will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.