Marguerite Braddock Williams

Marguerite Braddock Williams, 92, died May 15, 2019 at Providence Assisted Living in Batesville. Born August 27, 1926, she was the daughter of Joe and Frankie Braddock of Lexington.

She graduated from Mississippi State College for Women, earning a degree in home economics, and married Marcus Dean Williams in 1949. Later she earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Mississippi. She will be remembered by several generations of schoolchildren from Batesville Elementary and West Panola Schools, where she taught second grade.

She will also be remembered by 4-H Club members and local homemakers with whom she worked as an Extension Service agent, coming to work in Batesville in 1949, with her new husband. They quickly became involved in the community, joining the new VFW and Batesville First United Methodist Church. They raised two daughters, Rita Jean and Betty Gail, pouring themselves into their lives, activities and interests. Marguerite helped with Scouts and Bible School, and sewed dance costumes and cheerleader uniforms.

Later she joined the Batesville Woman’s Club, serving as president, and enthusiastically supporting the club’s many community service projects, including manning a concession stand late into the night at SpringFest. She remained active in United Methodist Women as long as she was able and served as an Ambassador for Panola Partnership.

Many grieving families were recipients of her chocolate pie, which she delivered warm from the oven. “The name of this pie is ‘Love,’” said one friend.

Among those who will miss her red head, her exuberance for life, her kindness, and the pie, are her daughters, Rita Howell and husband Rupert of Batesville, and Betty Gail Kalich and husband Tim, of Greenwood; grandson Thomas Murphree and wife, Meghan of Hernando; granddaughter Elizabeth Tardio and husband Chris of Nashville; grandson Sam Kalich of Greenwood; great grandsons Timmes and Bett Tardio of Nashville and sister-in-law Ruby Magers of Tupelo.

Funeral services will be Friday, May 17 at 2 p.m. at Batesville First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m.Officiating will be Ed Temple and Jerry Parker. Burial will be in Batesville Magnolia Cemetery. Wells Funeral Home of Batesville, MS in charge of arrangements.