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Mary Catherine Powell Williams, age 95, died Thursday, November 19 at her home. A graveside service was held Saturday, November 21 at 1pm at Oakdale Cemetery.

Mary Catherine was born in Valdosta, Georgia on November 26, 1924 to the late Ellis Carroll Powell and Bessie Ellen Wilkes Powell. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edwin (Jim) Williams; her brother, E.C. (Buck) Powell; and her son, James Edwin (Jimmy) Williams, Jr. 

She is survived by a daughter, Patricia Williams (Patty) Jackson, and her husband, Dr. William Fleet (Billy) Jackson, Jr. of Washington, NC; grandchildren, Dr. Tracy Powell Jackson, originally of Washington NC and currently traveling; Dr. Bradford Williams (Brad) Jackson and his wife Nicole of Chocowinity, NC; James Daniel (Daniel) Williams of Rockledge FL; Laura Williams Bode and her husband Mitchell of Ashland, VA; and Mary Frances Harrison and her husband Jeremy of Virginia Beach VA.; great grandchildren Samuel Crawford Jackson, Benjamin Hayes Jackson, Peyton Caroline Bode, Emlyn Belle Bode, and Autumn Everly Bode and many special nieces and nephews.

Mary Catherine loved her family and was devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends. She was the epitome of a true southern lady who showed hospitality and caring for all she met. Affectionately known as “Granny” to many, she always had a smile for everyone, and was the first one to arrive for any occasion with food, especially her chocolate layer cake, which she shared with many friends and family. She loved to cook and entertain before she became disabled with dementia and other health problems. She was very active in her church, First United Methodist of Washington, having been a member of the United Methodist Women, Circle of Hope, delivering Food for Folks, helping with the Hand in Hand mission, greeting at services, serving as a past member of the Board of Trustees and History Committee, and volunteering for anything that was asked of her. She never met a stranger, and was truly beloved by all she encountered in her long, full life.  

The family would like to express a special thanks to AsceraCare Hospice and Golden Way Home Care and special caregivers Jenny Cousins, Michele Corey, Estella Beavers, Charmee Williams, Evelyn Griffin and Ida Green for their kindness and compassion.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Capital Building Fund, First United Methodist Church, 304 W. 2nd Street, Washington, NC 27889. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Williams family.