Mary A. Williams 1947-2026

Born July 30, 1947, in Greenville, South Carolina, Mary was the eldest of seven children born to Rudell and Julia Alexander, a role she carried with strength and grace throughout her life.

Mary was educated in Youngstown City Schools, where she was an active member of the school chorus and played the saxophone in the Rayen High School band. After graduating from high school, Mary enrolled at Youngstown State University, where she majored in medical technology.

On Sept. 7, 1968, she married her high school sweetheart, Ronald C. Williams — whom she affectionately called “Ronnie” — and they shared 55 years of marriage.

Mary began her professional journey while still in college, working at GATX and later for Dr. J. Philips Davidson. Mary, Ron and their family moved to Bucyrus, where she worked at Swan Rubber Hose and Timken Corporation. Three years later, their family returned to Youngstown. She became employed at Trans-Parts Inc. and then joined the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority. She worked at Calvary Towers for over 20 years, retiring as managing director. She was cherished by residents who lovingly called her “Mrs. Mary.”

She joined her son and daughter-in-love to care for her grandson, Ethan, as Jay served in the Obama administration. At the end of the administration, the family moved to West Hartford, Connecticut. While there, she served as a board member of Leadership Greater Hartford Third Age Initiative and volunteered with Goodworks Inc.

On June 24, 1975, Mary was baptized and the following day she received the Holy Ghost. She was a devoted and active member of Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church in Youngstown, where she faithfully served in the concert chorus and VELEDA sisterhood and was actively involved in P.I.P. Mary also served as a Sunday school teacher and life skills director, roles through which she poured wisdom, encouragement and faith into others.

Mary had a deep love for reading and writing and was a published author. She enjoyed walking and cherished traveling with her family. Her faith was not only professed but lived daily through service, compassion and love.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory, her children, the former mayor of Youngstown, Roy Kojo Jawara Williams, more widely known as Jay, of West Hartford, Connecticut; her beloved daughter, Christine Olisa Armstead of Cleveland; and her daughter-in-love, Sonja Williams. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ashley Shaunice Cash and Ethan Jawara Williams; and her great-grandchildren, Audriana Jewel and Ayden Brooks Cash. Mary’s sisters and brothers include Evelyn Hardin, Elsina Winston, Ruby (Calvin) Jones and Rudene Galloway, all of Youngstown; Rudell (Shelia) Alexander of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; and Gregory (Tina) Alexander of Laurel, Maryland. She is also fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, extended church family members and friends.

Her husband, Ronald; her parents, Rudell and Julia Alexander; her nephew, Kevin Alexander; and her nieces, Jarryl Stokes and Reva Norris, preceded her entrance into eternal rest.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church, 1812 Oakhill Ave., Youngstown. A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m.

(special notice)