Louise Williams

Louise Williams, 80, of Anna, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born June 11, 1939 in Grand Chain to Russell and Margaret (Herren) Heisner. She married Bruce Williams on January 31, 1957 and they shared 62 years of marriage. Louise was a very caring and nurturing woman who opened up her home to many. Together she and Bruce raised 53 foster children. “Mama Lou” as she was known by some also was an international hospitality parent to many international students at SIU Edwardsville as well as SIU Carbondale since 1972. She loved animals and has raised miniature horses, goats, and sheep. At one time she had over 100 animals. She was very active in genealogy and the garden club and a passionate supporter of Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry and the Carmi Baptist Children’s Home. From 1967-1980 Louise was a real estate broker, managing Holzinger Real Estate in Staunton, Illinois and was a member of the Edwardsville-Collinsville Board of Realtors. She has been a member of Anna Heights Baptist Church since 1956 and a graduating member of Anna-Jonesboro High School class of 1957. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Williams; 13 children, Mona (Alan) Morgan, Melody (Bob) Snider, Dawn Holmes, Judy (Billy) Halter, Heather (Michael) Walker, Tony (Andrea) Williams, Holly (Dean) Barringer, Robin Brazel, Tammy (Chuck) Ridens, Belinda (Dan) Robertson, Tim Crippen, Jessica Crippen, Luciann (John) Barnitz; 40 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; brothers, Glenn (Juanita) Heisner, Fredrick Scott Heisner; half-sister, Peggy Ledbetter; other relatives and many friends. Louise was preceded in death by her father, Russell Heisner; mother and step-father, Margaret and Elmer Wilson; son, Shawn Williams; son-in-law, Michael Brazel; grandson, Micah Williams; great granddaughter, Adleigh Cuevos; half-sister, Nola Jean Heisner. The visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Anna Heights Baptist Church in Anna, Illinois. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Saturday at the church with Rev. Darryl Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Anna City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Anna Heights Baptist Church, Holt International, an organization Louise supported for many years, or the Carmi Baptist Children’s Home. Envelopes will be provided at the funeral home and church.

Louise Williams

June 11, 1939 - November 11, 2019