Barbara Williams
December 28, 2011
Barbara Williams, 83, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center.
Barbara was born July 14, 1928, in Des Moines, to Lloyd Shelton and Margaret Matthews. She was a music educator for Des Moines Public Schools for many years, and had served in the music department at Corinthian Baptist Church since the age of 11. She was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta, Des Moines Chapter.
Barbara is survived by her children, Arzania (Karen) Williams II and Stephanie (G. Thomas) Furgerson; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Lloyd and Robert Shelton; sister, Effie Griffin; and a host of loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arzania Williams, Sr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at Corinthian Baptist Church, 9th & School Streets, followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Carol Jacobs
01/04/2012
Little Zookie and Stephanie, i just now found out about Aunt Barbara Jeans death. I sent my condolences to you and your families. She is in a better place now with the Lord. God Bless you and your families. Love you all.
Donna Douglas-Henderson
01/03/2012
Our prayers are with your family as you say good-bye to this beautiful lady. I was always impressed with her absolute professionalism when she played for our services. She was also a wonderful pianist who gave so much artistic expression to her work. She will be missed.
Donna Douglas-Henderson
Henderson's Funeral Home
Chuck Green
01/03/2012
Dear Zook and Stephanie,
So sorry to hear about your mother. You were blessed to have her for so long. Take care. Chuck Green
Tamera Diggs-Tate
01/03/2012
Dear Stephanie and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet mother. She was a wonderful person and a blessing to all who knew her. I know she was still so beautiful at 83! I can remember growing up, how much she loved her Stephanie! She was an amazing wife, mother and woman of God. What a great contribution she made to Des Moines Public Schools, Corinthian Baptist Church and to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Heaven is welcoming an angel home! I am so glad to have known her as a sister in Christ at Corinthian and as a soror in Delta. Hugs to you and family and thanks for sharing her with us for so many years. Take care.
Love,
Tammy Diggs-Tate
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church
01/02/2012
"Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5b
To the family of Mrs. Barbara Williams, we, the pastor, associate ministers, and the entire church family extend to you our deepest sympathy in the passing of your loved one. God offers peace in the time of sorrow and hope for tomorrow. Trusting that God will be especially close to you for your every present need.
Humbly submitted,
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Family
Rev. Alex Crawford, Jr.-Pastor
Mary L. Wells
01/02/2012
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead and may the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
My prayers are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your mother.
Brenda Lewis Matthews
01/02/2012
When I was a young girl I thought Barbara was the prettiest woman at Corinthian Baptist church. Not just pretty on the outside but her actions showed me how a really lady conducts herself. To me Barbara will always be the lady who lead not just by her words but by her actions. God bless and keep you Barbara in his loving arms. My condolences to the family she was truly a treasure.
Ronnene Harris
01/02/2012
To the Family of Barbara Williams,
My prayers are with you as you prepare life with your mothers return to God.
Ronnene Harris
Eric Eshelman
01/01/2012
Zook,
I am sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She sounds like a great lady and I am sure she has a fine place in heaven.
Our sincere sympathy and prayers,
Eric and Leigh Ann Eshelman
Robert and Arlita (Riley) Powell
01/01/2012
We are sorry to hear of your mother's passing yet we rejoice that she rests with Jesus and we thank God for the example of love, grace and dignity she demonstrated for us in every aspect of her life. Her music will always stay with us. Please know we love you and are praying for God to comfort your hearts today and always.
Larry N. Estill
12/31/2011
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mother Barbara Williams. She was a Beacon of Light to most of us young musicians in the city of Des Moines, Iowa and I shall be forever grateful for all the things she taught me.
May God Forever BLess and Sustain the Mother Barbara Williams Family during this time.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mr. Larry N. Estill, Former Musician
for
Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church
Des Moines, Iowa
Steve & Rene
12/31/2011
Zook and Karen,
Sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Randy Huizenga
12/31/2011
Dear Zook:
I learned this morning by email of the passing of your mother. Having our parents for such a long time is a mixed blessing; we have been blessed with their presence but feel the loss so much more. Please know that we share your loss and will keep your family in our prayers.
Randy Huizenga
Baghdad, Iraq
Sunday Morning Breakfast Club
Cassandra Flomo
12/30/2011
Barbara was a wonderful person. She was always smiling as she played the piano. You could tell that she loved her music ministry. She was a wonderful sorority sister. I enjoyed working with her on projects over the years. My deepest sympathy is with your family.
Jim & Juliet Oeffinger
12/30/2011
Karen and Zook, Juliet and I extend our sincerest sympathy. Our thought and prayers re with you and your family.