Birdie Lee Williams passed away peacefully at her home in McKinney Texas on December 11, 2018. She was born in New Boston Texas to the parents of Reethus and Venus Barber on July 30, 1921. She remained in New Boston until she graduated from high school and left for college to pursue her love of learning. She met the love of her life, Buster Williams, and they married May 4th, 1944 in Belton Texas. They were happily married for 41years until his death in March of 1985. From this union 5 beautiful children: Glenn, Joseph, Berry, Buster and Shandra. Birdie gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was a member of Arkadelphia Baptist Church in New Boston, Texas. Birdie and her husband attended Paradise Baptist Church in Gilmer, Texas. First Baptist Church became their spiritual home when they moved to McKinney in 1964. She enjoyed the spiritual words of many pastors. Until her death, she remained a member at the same church, that is now named The McKinney First Baptist Church. Birdie, affectionately known as “Granny”, “Ganny”,“Big Momma”,“Me-Momma”, or Mama Williams was a loving and devoted person. Her family was BLESSED to have her for 97 Precious Years. She always instilled in her children to Love the Lord and to Respect Your Elders. Her doors and her heart were always opened to everyone. People were immediately drawn to her loving smile and kind heart. There was NO STRANGER around Birdie Lee. Three of her favorite pasttimes were watching the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks and word search puzzles. She furthered her education by attending Texas College in Tyler Texas where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and subsequently became a teacher in that field. Her love of learning inspired her to pursue a Master of Education from East Texas State University in Commerce Texas at the age of 55. For many years, Birdie served as a Home Bound teacher for McKinney Independent School District. She held a special place in her heart for students with Special Needs. Birdie loved helping people and being an inspiration. She worked for the McKinney Independent School System for 18 years. She also worked as a Home Economics teacher at McKinney Job Corps and a few years later returned to be a part time Resident Advisor.
Left to celebrate her life are 2 sons: Joseph Williams-George (Betty), Buster M. Williams-Joe (Dana) and 1 daughter: Shandra Williams-Dea (Delphine), 1 brother, Joe Barber (Florence), and 4 sisters:Bernice Tyson, Doris Williams, Mavis Woolley (Marc), Yvonne White (Eugene), her loving grandchildren: 5 grandsons: Walter Napier, Andre’Napier, Quincy Williams, Quincy Allen, and Marcus Jones: 1 granddaugher: Keana Williams and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents: Reethus and Venus Barber, Step-Mother: Ollie Mae Barber, husband:Buster Williams, 1 son: Glenn Williams, 1 daughter: Berry Napier, 3 brothers: Reethus Barber, Jr., Lionel Barber, and Marlin Barber, 6 sisters: Dovie Wherry, Ruby Kirby, Odessa Jones, Gloria Fields, Dixie Carter, Eleanor Smith, and grandson, Corey Jones proceeded her in life.