Mrs. W. P. Williams died shortly before 11 o'clock p.m. on last Friday, August 17, 1923, at the home of her son, Jesse Williams, six miles northwest of Protection, after an illness of only four days. She had been in reasonably good health for one of her advanced age and had been able to be about every day. As the end approached she appeared to pass into a peaceful sleep and with a calm resignation which indicated her perfect preparedness to go. Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon from the Christian church in Protection and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. G. M. Martin. Many neighbors and friends were present, and all felt that they had lost a true friend and the entire community one of its best women. The sermon by Rev. Martin was sympathetic and consoling. Mrs. William's favorite songs were "Is My Name Written There?" "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" and "Then I Shall See Him Face to Face," and these were sung. Many beautiful floral tokens showed the loving remembrance and kind regards of friends. Burial was made in the Protection cemetery by the side of the husband and a daughter-in-law.Mrs. Williams was one of the pioneers in her native county in eastern Missouri. She well knew the meaning of pioneer hardships and of struggles through the years when much courage and perseverance were required. Throughout it all she did well her part in raising and training a large family. Not only the members of her own family, but all who knew her will long remember her patience, her kindly instructions and her consecrated christian life. For many years she had been a faithful and consistent christian. In the year 1887 she was converted and joined the Baptist church. Later she joined the Church of God, and remained a faithful member of that organization as long as she lived. She has passed on, but the influences of her beautiful christian life will live on throughout all time.
Matilda Caroline Lee was born in Jefferson-co., Mo., on February 15, 1843. At the time of her death she was 80 years, 6 months and 2 days of age. On January 1, 1859, in Jefferson-co., Missouri, she was united in marriage with W. P. Williams. They continued to make their home in Missouri until the year 1916, when they moved to a farm about six miles northwest of Protection, and there they continued to reside. Mr. Williams died on February 13, 1917. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, two of them dying in infancy. Six sons and two daughters are left to mourn the loss of a devoted and loving mother. They are: J. L. Williams of Coldwater; Jesse and Dexter Williams of Protection, Albert Williams of Roundup, Mont.; John and Luther Williams of Morse Mill, Mo.; Mrs. Bertha Gifford of Catawissa, Mo.; and Mrs. Ella Wilson of Morse Mill, Mo. Twenty nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren also survive. To these sorrowing relatives the sincere sympathy of all goes out at this time.
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