Mary Louise (Barley) Williams

Mary Louise Williams, 78, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2020. She was born December 18, 1941 in Washington, DC a daughter of Foye and Catherine (Brandt) Barley.

If you had the privilege of knowing Mary, you might have strived to emulate some of her beautiful characteristics. She was one of the most laid-back, kind, compassionate, patient, non-judgmental people you would ever meet. It took a lot to push her buttons.

She was a very artistic person who enjoyed drawing and painting. Other hobbies included crossword puzzles, reading and learning about many things. She especially enjoyed reading and sharing scripture from Jehovah's Witness in which she was a devoted member for over 40 plus years.

As a mother, she enjoyed baking bread, picking blackberries and pears, cruising the malls with her girls and many other activities. She was the neighborhood taxi to and from the local lake in the summer and many trips to the local roller rink; using the family station wagon carting anywhere from 10-16 kids per trip on any sunny day.

Mary's kind, compassionate spirit was displayed in her love for others. Mary cared for many children over the years including opening a daycare in her home and watching over her grandchildren when they were young. She could often be found sitting in her lawn chair watching as her grandchildren rode bikes or played on the swings in the backyard, or laying on the living room floor pushing around toy cars until the family dog ran through and broke up the fun. Mary touched the lives of the many children that she cared for in a very meaningful way.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Gloria Barley and two sons-in-law, Randy Koetje and Alan Prouse. On September 3, 1960, Mary was united in marriage to Everett E. Williams, who survives. Also surviving are four children, Catherine (John) Laman, Suzanne Koetje, Bonnie Prouse and Everett Williams, Jr; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and a brother, Fred Barley. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment and memorial services will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to COPD Foundation. The family is being cared for by Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. To view Mary's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com