Anna Jean Gurley Williams was born on January 18, 1935. Jean went home to be with her beloved husband, Frank L. Williams II, on January 31, 2021. She exemplified the term “Happily Married” in her devotion to caring for her husband and family. She spent her life caring for all those around her.
Jean was born in Dallas, Texas to Elmer Calvert Gurley and Thelma Clifton Gurley. She was an only child. Even though spoiled, she was raised to be the perfect lady, which she was in our eyes. She married Frank L. Williams II, the love of her life, on September 4,1954 in Dallas, Texas. They were both graduates of Highland Park High School and went on to graduate from the University of Houston.
Frank and Jean moved to McKinney in 1967, after Frank bought the Buick Dealership in 1965. They lived on Morris Street and raised their two sons, Frank III and Art, in “The Best City in America!”. In 1978, Jean opened The Antique House. It was the little antique store on North Tennessee Street. She continued to operate her store and in 1994, moved to Louisiana St., just off the square. Her life was devoted to historic downtown McKinney and Chestnut Square. She promoted the history and Victorian influence in the quaint town of McKinney. She knew her stuff! As recent as three weeks ago, she was appraising a brilliant American cut glass collection for a longtime friend. Her wealth of knowledge and love of history will be a great loss to us all.
Her life was filled with great friendships and travels. Frank II fulfilled her ultimate dream trip to The Baltics and Catherine’s Palace and then on to sail the Rhine River. The family also enjoyed trips to Acapulco, Mexico, the RV and Motorcycle trip to Yellowstone, trips to The Grand Tetons, San Francisco, Vegas, The Hemisphere and the Super Bowl...Dallas Won!!! These trips will be memories to cherish. The South Texas Mission tour …not so great! It was dreadfully HOT.
She also enjoyed the McKinney Garden Club, Owl Forum and so much more… Her life was filled with joy and fun. She smiled every day and made those around her better for knowing her!
Jean is survived by her son, Frank L. Williams III and wife, Susan of Plano, Texas; son, Art Williams and wife, Debbie of The Colony, Texas; granddaughter, Dr. Niki Ritchey and husband, Dr. Phil Ritchey of College Station, Texas; granddaughter, Christine Mitchell and husband, Chase Mitchell of Manor, Texas; great granddaughters, Zoë Grace Ritchey and Madeleine Marie Mitchell; nephew, Ken Russell and wife, Cheryl; great-nephew, Logan Russell, all of Nacogdoches, Texas; and niece, Kathy Jahns and husband Joseph of Hermosa Beach, California. And her lifelong friend, Peggy Hanley.
She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Thelma Gurley and husband Frank L. Williams II.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., February 6, 2021 at the Garden Pavilion at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
In support of our local, state, and federal government including CDC directives and to protect the physical health, safety and well-being of our community, the following are Ridgeview Memorial Parks guidelines. Anyone attending the Graveside Service is to maintain social distancing or may remain in their vehicle. You will be able to listen through speakers set up at the site.
The graveside service will also be video recorded and will be available following the graveside service at TJMfuneral.com on Jean’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/anna-jean-gurley-williamss.
Frank and Jean were proud members of The First United Methodist Church of McKinney and encourage that memorials be made there.