Tennie Williams

To view a livestream broadcast of the funeral service at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 25, please click on this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/tennie-williams-funeral-service-hef4vcaqomao8f2nrbwb

Tennie Williams of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 21, 2021, at McPherson Hospital. She was 101 years of age.

Tennie was born on April 10, 1920, in rural Douglas County, MO, to the late Rev. Caleb and Nancy (Huff) Maggard. Tennie, as a young girl, was saved and baptized under her father’s ministry at Mt. Olive Baptist Church at Ongo, MO.

She married Fred Williams in Springfield, MO, on September 11, 1939. This union was blessed with two daughters, DeAnn and Bette. Fred preceded her in death on April 11, 1977.

She was a member of Newlife Foursquare Church and Assembly of God, both of McPherson. She lived a Godly life and was a prayer warrior. She was a prayer chairman for Women’s Aglow International. She was a Sunday school teacher for the very young and enjoyed putting the lessons together. She loved The Word and read for hours in her room at Pleasant View Home, Inman.

Her home was always open for people to come and pray, to fellowship, and to break bread together. She loved to cook and entertain. She cooked for the Central College biology students when they came to her country home.

She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She taught them the Word of God and prayed with them during happy and sad times. She babysat them, loving every minute! She rode three-wheelers and dirt bikes, and even with some upsets, enjoyed it.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons-in-law, Beauferd Schmidt and Don Kennedy; sisters, Nora Stillings, Lois Fitzgerald, Janice Lawrence, Nina Mae Roberts, and Gladys Huff; brothers, Roy, Arthur, Lincoln, Hiram, Glen, Otto, and David Maggard; and a step grandchild, Susie Durbin.

Survivors include: two daughters, DeAnn Decker (Larry) of Galva, KS and Bette Leslie (Bob) of Nixa, MO; five grandsons, Mike Kennedy (JD), Chris Leslie, Tony Schmidt, Terry Schmidt (Cheryl), and Heath Schmidt (Leesa); step grandchildren, Rob Leslie, Michelle King (Sammie), Michael Decker (Saundra) and Matthew Decker (Sheryl); nine great-grandchildren, Kaley Cox (Kody), Caleb Schmidt and their mother, Karla Schmidt, Paige Burdick (Matthew), Madison Schmidt, Sylas Schmidt, Sam Schmidt, Hannah Leslie, Elijah Leslie, and Jennie Durbin; ten step great-grandchildren; seven step great-great-grandchildren; three siblings, Frances Montgomery, Madena Fae Hall, and Jim Maggard; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until service time on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 25, at the funeral home with Pastor Andrea Baker officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery. To view a livestream broadcast of the funeral service, please click on this link: https://boxcast.tv/view/tennie-williams-funeral-service-hef4vcaqomao8f2nrbwb

Memorial donations may be given to McPherson County Food Bank or Pleasant View Home in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Pleasant View Home for their love and care given to Tennie. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Tennie Williams please visit our Sympathy Store.