JEAN SMITH WILLIAMS
4/05/32 — 9/19/24
On April 5, 1932, Clarence Arthur Smith, Sr., and Mamie Kidd Smith welcomed their first born Jean. Born in Galveston, Texas and sister to two younger brothers, Clarence Arthur, Jr. and Carl Anthon. Jean often said that she was a tomboy because of her brothers. At an early age Jean recalled that she attended both the Avenue L. Baptist Church with her dad and the Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church with her mom. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at the Methodist Church but felt at home at either house of worship.
A magical love story began when Mansfield native, Arthur James Williams, Jr., a recent Chemistry Major Graduate from Tennessee State University sought Education certification during the summer months at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. There he met Jean who was working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. They soon became inseparable. They married on August 28, 1954 and shared a love, friendship and relationship that spanned seventy years.
Upon marriage Jean made their home in Mansfield. To this union two lovely daughters were born: Dianne Lynn and Beverly Renee’’. They are grateful to have been chosen by God to be a part of this love story. They enjoyed their upbringing in their Christian home of unwavering love. Parental support, acceptance, and guidance were unsurpassed. Her love was extended to their friends as well.
Early on, Jean became an active member at her spouse’s home church, Wesley United Methodist Church. She will be fondly remembered for her tireless years of service and dedication to God and His people as Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director,, October-Fest Leader, and Administrative Council Member.
Jean received her BS in Education from Wiley College, Marshall, TX, M.Ed. and Thirty Plus from Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA.
She was employed by the DeSoto Parish School Board for thirty-four years. During her tenure she taught at Second Ward High School in Gloster, LA and Mansfield Elementary in Mansfield, LA.
Throughout her life she was actively involved in many professional and community activities. She was a member of the DeSoto Teachers’ Association, Louisiana Education Association, DeSoto Parish Quilters’ Club, DeSoto Parish Retired Teachers’ Association, Council on Aging, Order of the Eastern Star, and Cavalierette Women’s Club. Her awards included Cavalierette Women’s Club Achievement Award for 34 years of Teaching Service, the DeSoto Education Association’s “School Bell Award” for Outstanding Service in the school and community.
The love, the bond, and the fond memories will be cherished by her family: husband Arthur J. Williams, Jr.; daughters Dianne Lynn Williams-Pratt (Clyde), and Beverly Renee’ Williams Ware (Pasker); Grandchildren Clyde Jahmichael Pratt (Great-grandson Triston J Pratt) and Daria Lynn Pratt, Sisters- in-law Wilma Smith and Faye Smith, III; Kidd and Smith Cousins; Cheryl Boiling, Brenda Mahoney, Carol Boone, Alondra Coleman, Rosalund Gale-Smith; Jackson and Stewart Cousins; Lois Jackson Garner (Ralph), Richard (Sandra) Stewart, Jr., Carl (Joanne) Stewart, James E. (Helen) Stewart, Sr; Godchildren: Chrisonya Pratt and Cedric Bain, a host of other relatives and friends.
