Judith Williams

Judith Williams was a loving homemaker and enjoyed her role as both a mother and a wife. She was caring, intelligent, and had a compassionate heart for others. An avid shopper and a professional contestant winner, Judy won a trip to Paris, a motorboat with a trailer, along with a new car over the years. She held a deep respect for our country and loved a man in uniform. Selfless in her ways, she loved attending family picnics each summer and seeing her children and grandchildren in their various school events. She was a proud mother who was not often shy about sharing the many accomplishments of her children with both friends and acquaintances. Living a life richly blessed with healthy years, Judy was able to give many of her grandchildren their first baths. There was nothing that she wouldnt do for her family no matter the sacrifices. If it meant traveling great distances, shed be there to lend her loving ways and a helping hand. Judy will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. The Roaring Twenties was a period of sustained economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge. Jazz music was booming, as well as the automotive industry, and the nation was seeing large scale industrial growth which brought about significant changes during this time. With the media focused on celebrities, especially sports heroes and movie figures on April 12, 1924 Guy Emmet & Florence (Swan) Mathews welcomed their own star, a newborn baby girl, Judith Irene born in Ludington, Michigan. Born to a hard-working set of parents; her father was a police officer and later a sheriff with Mecosta County. Her mother, Florence worked outside the family home at Swans; the familys tent and awning business. Judiths birth arrived during a mark in history that was filled with feelings of freedom and independence. Judith was the older sister to her brother, Sherwood living in Ludington, Detroit, and California before settling back along the beautiful lakeshore city of Muskegon. Later, she graduated with the Class of 1941 from Ludington High School. She was a Sweater girl, sporting the popular fashion of the times. She remained active by attending various church camps as well as being known to carry her baby brother to and from school. Growing up on bean sandwiches, Judith looked forward to visits with her grandparents where she was almost always treated with special attention by her grandpa! With a special knack for math skills, Judith was the perfect candidate to help balance the books for her grandfathers business. Her accounting skills were unmatched earning her the position for some time before she began modeling for Hudsons Department Store shortly after graduation. Not to be forgotten was the day her life made a dramatic turn when she met the intriguing man; Julius Ed Williams who was the man of her dreams. The smitten couple met at Masars Restaurant where a romance quickly ensued. With a strong desire to start their life together, Ed and Judy eloped on June 30, 1946 in Valparaiso, Indiana. On this beautiful wedding day, not only would Ed gain a lovely wife, but Judys son, Nick would land a great dad as well. Together, they were blessed with six additional children; Ed, Jr., Marcia, Lesley, twins Jeff and Jerome, and Angela. But their family didnt stop there, when Eds sister, Patricia was tragically killed in a car accident in the late 1960s, they opened up their hearts and home to her two children. They never looked back with regret. Theirs was a true love story which would span more than sixty years. Judy and Ed took great pride in providing for their unique and extended family over the years. They created many lasting memories by touring our great country. They vacationed together in Florida as well as visited the Mackinac Bridge. Each trip was filled with memorable events cherished together. The Williams made their home in downtown Muskegon before later moving to the expanding community of Norton Shores. Their home quickly became a favorite gathering space for friends and family over the years, especially during the holiday seasons. Often times, they were known to draw a crowd of friends and family reaching sixty to one hundred people at a time! There was no greater feeling for Judy than showering people with her warm hospitality. She loved to entertain and made a wonderful hostess when sharing many special occasions with her guests over the years. As a matter of fact, Judy cherished opening up her home to her childrens friends where they knew they were always welcome and accepted. She enjoyed each and every one of them and never expected anything in return. Modeling a lifetime of generosity, Judy passed away and leaves behind a rich collection of wonderful memories. Judys sense of compassion for her family, her sincere friendship, and her loving ways will be cherished for years to come. Mrs. Judith Irene Williams, age 92, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2016. Mrs. Williams was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed writing slogans and shopping. Surviving are her children, Nick (Penny) Swan, Edward Williams, Jr., Marcia Morse, Lesley (Greg) Morano, Jeffrey (Maria) Williams, Jerome Williams, Angela Williams; a special niece & nephew that she helped raised, Charles Belisle and Melanie Townsend; 30 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Her brother, Sherwood Durgan as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins & one special cousin, Hilda Williams. She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius in 2008; her parents; granddaughter, Rachael Williams; son-in-law, Verne Morse, and daughter-in-law, Alice. A service is planned for Friday, December 16, 2016, 2:00 pm with visitation one hour prior to the service at Family Bible Church with Rev. Jerry DePoy officiating. Interment in Ludington Cemetery. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.