Doris Williams peacefully passed into the arms of God on June 18, 2023, at 96 years young surrounded by her loved ones. Doris was born April 11, 1927, to Emily and John Schaal in Boston, Massachusetts. Upon her mother’s death at the age of 4, she and her older sister, went to Plymouth, Massachusetts to live with her Aunt Tillie. Her Father would come down from Boston as often as he could to visit his girls and take them on outings. She would tell great stories about her childhood living in the Old Crowe house, one of the oldest at the time in Plymouth. Only 3 blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, she would reminisce about running to the beach after school with her friends for a swim and ice skating on the cranberry bogs in winter. At the age of 18, she moved back to Boston, Massachusetts to be near her beloved Father, Aunt Peggy, and older sister, Millie, to attend The School of Fashion Design. Her Aunt Peggy instilled in her a life-long love for antiques and all things fine. While in Boston, she met the love of her life, Pete Williams, who was studying at Harvard to become a Naval Officer. They met at the Raymore Playmore Club, jitterbugging the night away. After Pete graduated, he moved back to his home state of New Mexico, but was smitten by the girl from Boston. A year of many love letters ensued, and Pete vowed to bring his beautiful bride back to New Mexico with him upon her graduation. They married on May 19, 1948, and settled in Carlsbad, New Mexico to begin their life together. They went on to have 4 children, Craig, Jennifer, John (deceased), and Peter. Their love endured for 53 years.
In 1954, they moved to Fort Stockton, Tx. to raise their family. Putting her family above all else, she was a wonderful, kind-hearted wife, and Mother. Doris loved working, entertaining, sewing, gardening, and antiquing. Once all the children were in school, Doris started the Welcome Wagon. She worked diligently for 7 years welcoming all the newcomers to town, introducing them to places/businesses and things to do. In 1970 they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where she started Welcome Amigos, and once again began greeting all the newcomers to town. Her infectious smile and charming personality inspired everyone. Later in life, Doris and Pete became the owners of “The Club 47” in Los Lunas, New Mexico. It became known as the country western version of “Cheers” where everyone knew each other. All were welcomed by “Ms. Kitty,” Doris’ nickname, and she relished having parties, pool tournaments, and fun times with all her customers. After 13 years Doris reluctantly retired and took off on adventures with her husband--boating, fishing, and enjoying their travels and time with their children and grandchildren. Known as Memaw to all the grandchildren, she, and Pete (Papa) adored taking them on fishing trips, to swimming lessons, and teaching card games. They finally settled in Princeton, Texas to be closer to family and friends.
In their retirement, they loved playing cards and antiquing/garage-Saling together where they filled their beautiful home with great finds from their weekly treasure hunts. After her beloved husband passed, Doris, at the age of 75, started another business in September 2002, opening “Main Street Antiques” in historic downtown Farmersville, Tx. Her spirit of kindness and devotion to customers and dealers lives on in her store that has now been a staple of the downtown for over 22 years. She worked there helping people find just the right treasure until she was 92 years old. As one dear friend said so well “She had a great run.” We will dearly miss her beautiful soul, graceful style, and boundless energy.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Emily Schaal, husband Lawrence (Pete) Williams, sister Mildred Montgomery, son John H. Williams, and son-in-law David Lee Jiles. She is survived by her sons, Craig H. Williams (wife Sandy), Peter H. Williams (wife Amy), and daughter Jennifer W. Jiles; 7 grandchildren, Cristi Frye (Bo), Derek Jiles, Jessica Jiles (David), Matt Williams (Carina), Brittany Long (Rob), John Williams (Lauren), and Tara Williams; 9 great grandchildren and “1 in the oven” along with many nieces and nephews, and great friends.
Doris’ family would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to her caregivers, Brenda White, and Mary Knudson, for all the love and devotion they gave over the last 3 years; and, to the staff of Hospice Plus who showed such loving care and kindness before her flight to heaven.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life in Farmersville, Texas with dates to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Dallas Arboretum or Hospice Plus of Greenville, Tx.