Mary Delois Williams Daly

Mary Delois Daly was born the third child of Jesse and Parthena Williams, Sr., in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on January 7, 1953 and passed from this life Thursday, March 23, 2017. She confessed Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. Mary was a fast learner, loved to read and was widely known for her quick wit and charm.. She busied herself with studies and building lasting friendships with other students, faculty and staff. Mary graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1970 and later attended Henderson State University. She was employed by Levi Straus and later became self employed as a Domestic Engineer. She had a strong work ethic; was meticulous and thorough in all that she did. In the early 1980s, curious and excited about the possibilities of a life outside of Arkansas, Mary moved to Detroit, Michigan, where she met her former husband, Danny Daly. In 1986, she left Detroit, and spent 18 months in Tokyo, Japan, where she taught a Japanese businessman how to speak English. She advanced her reading and learning while abroad. In the Mid 1990s, she returned to her home in Arkadelphia to be closer to her family, friends and community which had first inspired her to seek out a well-rounded and fulfilling life. She rededicated herself as a member of St. Paul AME Church and reestablished close ties to her family and friends. Mary enthusiastically enjoyed parties and get-togethers, fish fry’s, bar-b-ques, excursions to casino and shopping. She had a style of her own and was comfortable with who she was. Her energetic personality, her giving nature and her pursuit for the next best thing was a magnet for those who wanted her energy to rub off on them. However, none of these things could ever take the place of the people she loved the most, her family. She was a devoted daughter, proud sister, loving aunt and a true friend. Had she tarried longer, those who would have crossed her path would have recipients of her wisdom, friendship and sense of humor. Preceding her in passing are her brothers, Wilbert F. Williams (April 6, 1990), Bruce M. Williams (August 2, 1992) and Victor E. Williams (June 10, 2010). Mary leaves a lifetime of memories with her parents, Jesse and Parthena Williams; her siblings, Belinda Henderson of Little Rock, AR, Jesse and Ramona Williams Jr. of Fresno, TX, Joyce Williams of Little Rock, and KL Williams of Hot Springs; aunts, Georgia Hill of Arkadelphia, Gracie Walton of Oakland, CA, Ester (rev. Sterling) Samuels of Hot Springs, AR, Virginia Johnson of Hot Springs, AR and Carol Tippen of Henderson NV. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her deeply.