Ann Williams

Funeral Services for Mrs. Ann Williams will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Bro. Roger Burke officiating. Interment will follow at Hebron Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM prior to services.

Virginia Ann McRae Williams, affectionately known as "Ann" and lovingly called "Memaw" by her family, passed away on August 29, 2026, at the age of 84. She was born on June 1, 1942.

A lifelong member of the Whynot community, Ann graduated from Vimville High School and continued her education at Mid South Business College. She built a long and successful career in the finance industry, beginning with Household Finance and later working for American General. Through determination, intelligence, and an extraordinary work ethic, Ann worked her way up from the ground floor and ultimately became her own boss as the owner and operator of Action Finance from 1994 until her retirement in 2020. She was deeply respected throughout her community and by the many people whose lives she touched during her career.

Ann was a strong, beautiful, fiercely independent woman who embraced life with optimism, courage, and an adventurous spirit. She enjoyed traveling through many countries with her Hyrowski family. She loved her cookbooks, blue herons, and anything made of cobalt-blue glass. Above all, she dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ann possessed a rare gift for making others feel loved, understood, accepted, and encouraged. To her family and countless friends, she was a trusted confidante, a source of strength, and a steady, reassuring presence. Her influence extended far beyond her own family, and those fortunate enough to know her were forever changed by her kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit.

Ann is survived by her children, Michelle Booker Riley (Dennis), and William Michael Booker (Tina); her grandchildren, Jae Murphy (Courtney), Brandon Booker (Haley), and Baleigh Vick (Grant); her great-grandchildren, Brody Booker, Margaret Booker, Isabelle Murphy, Jaelin Murphy, Liam Murphy, and Lane Vick; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins she loved dearly.

She also leaves behind many treasured friends, including Kennedy McReynolds; Rhonda and Keith Thomas; Doris and Kirk Thomas; Crystal Powell; Thompson McAllister; Lisa Lott-Lucus; Rodney Williams; Wanda Grabert; Nina Grayson; Mary Brooks; her Rotary family; and many others whose lives were made richer by knowing her. Special thanks to Ochsner Rush ICU and Harper's Hospice staff for the exceptional care they provided.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Lorraine "W.L." McRae and Virginia McRae; her husband, Davis Powell Williams Jr.; and her brothers, Kelva Lorraine McRae and William "Bill" McRae.

Ann lived fully, loved deeply, and showed those around her how to meet life with strength and grace. Her beautiful spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends.

Pallbearers include Josh Bennett, Whitney Bounds, Benji Hammond, Jeff Rainey, Chad Sciple, Kyle Temple. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the BHC Family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to MCC Foundation at Meridian Community College in Ann's honor.

Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.  Online register book can be signed at robertbarhamffh.com.