Myrtle E. Williams

Myrtle E. Perkins Williams was born to William and Jessie Perkins on April 3, 1924 in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was the ninth girl of nine daughters and five sons. The Perkins family moved to Columbus in 1925. Myrtle was united in marriage to James A. Williams on September 21, 1946, and enjoyed a lasting relationship for 46 years before his passing unto the Good Lord, March 9, 1985. Through James, Myrtle discovered her love of real estate in 1953. She worked as a real estate agent for many years with Francis Realty. During that time, she also worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Children's Hospital. In the early eighties, she received her license, became a real estate broker, and established M.E. Williams Realty. Myrtle retired from real estate in 2016. During the period from 1990 to 2003, she served as Hospitality Representative at the law firm Squires, Sanders & Dempsey. This was a position Myrtle enjoyed as much as they enjoyed her presence on the staff for thirteen years. Myrtle was a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church since the early fifties. Additionally, she was a member of the Rose of Sharon Chapter #8, Order of Eastern Star, F.A.A.Y. Masons. Most recently, she was an active member of the Central Community House Seniors since 2008. She always touched hearts wherever she went. More personally, Myrtle loved her family above all else. From 1980 until the mid-nineties, she planned and arranged several family reunions in Columbus, Ohio, Terre Haute, Indiana, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. She recruited family members to help as well as entertain during these reunions. Myrtle had a big heart and lovingly cared for any family member or friend who needed her help. She would initiate her care giving for them. She taught us all how to love one another and keep the family connections strong. She departed this life on June 21, 2018 at the age of 94. In addition to her husband, Myrtle was preceded in death by eleven siblings and her son-in-law, Ron Funderburg. As a loving wife, mother, and sister, she leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Marilyn Brown and Pat Funderburg; sister, Wanda (Oliver) Gardner; two granddaughters, Stacey (Charles) Wilson and Angela Brown; ten great grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She will be deeply missed; but, we know she is in a better place. We are all thankful for the loving light she shed on all of us and teaching us to be there and to look for each other.