Marcella Williams

Marcella C. Williams was born on January 23rd, 1928 to VL and Minnie Horne in Philadelphia, Mississippi and raised in Matherville, Mississippi. She was the 5th born of 6 siblings, all have preceded her in death, Erias Horne (Sonny), Thelma Hanna, Mildred McNary, Carlton Horne (Ham) and James Horne.

After Marcella arrived in Chicago, she attended Lucy Flower High School and begin working numerous jobs including Greenman's Department Store. By 1970, she worked at her brother-in-law Bob McNary's business, Amber's Bakery, where she met Lancelot Williams. They would later get married and from their union her only child Mark was born.  

Marcella and Lancelot would move to Bellwood, IL where she joined Second Baptist Church of Maywood. Her free time was focused on encouraging her son at his sporting events, watching soap operas, cooking, decorating, enjoying the outdoors and shopping at various department stores.

Marcella was always looking to improve and learn new skills.  In the early 1980s, after working in a school cafeteria and jobs at cleaning companies, she saw an opportunity in day care. She registered for classes in early childhood development and would earn a certification for a teacher's assistant working with children at Sears Arlington YMCA where she worked with pride for 15 years.  

In retirement, Marcella developed an increased passion for gardening and landscaping and grew many different types of fruits, vegetables and flowers. She always had a eye for fashion and enjoyed sewing and dress making.  She also enjoyed driving her Buick LeSabre for errands and grocery shopping which was her wheels to independence and freedom. She continued to drive until she was 95 years old.

Although the last few months of her life was challenging, Marcella was extremely positive and continued to lift the spirits of all those around her.

Marcella was preceded in death by her husband, Lancelot Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Mark Williams. Nieces and nephews Mr. Billie T. Hanna, Mrs. Shirley Blackstone, Ms. Pamela Hannah, Mr. Michael Hannah, Ms. Yvette Hanna, Mr. Christopher K. Hanna and a extended family of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.

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