Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Dollie Williams

(From Thornhill-Dillon Funeral Home)

Mrs. Dollie Margaret Theresa Williams, 88, of Joplin, Missouri, departed this life on Monday evening, September 22, 2014, at Freeman Hospital West, after a recent decline in health.

Dollie entered this life on March 6, 1926, in Pittsburg, Kansas, one of eight children born to the late Ted “Papa T” and Nezira (Joseph) Thomas. She was raised in Pittsburg, Kansas and was a 1944 graduate of St. Mary’s Catholic High School. She met Keith “Tex” Williams while working in a family business in Pittsburg, The Pan Club. They were united in marriage on December 15, 1957 and to this union they were blessed with two children. They moved their family to Joplin, Missouri, in 1959. Keith began working in the automobile business while Dollie worked at Miller Manufacturing as a seamstress for a few years. In November 1967, the couple purchased Tri-State Import Cars, Inc., which they operated until 2002. Also during this time she began contracting residential and commercial property, which they currently maintain. In business as well as her personal life she had a “straight shooter” mentality with an acute business acumen and a “no-nonsense, get it done now” work ethic. During this time her family businesses also included Shenanigan’s Grub & Grog, Club 609 and Club 1201, where she could be routinely seen “schmoozing with customers and friends”, pouring beer behind the bar and filling in wherever needed. On those occasions when she was at home, she would keep her finger on the pulse of the business by calling in regularly. We’ve all received those infamous phone calls from her simply stating, “How’s biz”!

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of almost fifty-seven years, Keith Williams on June 28, 2014; three brothers, Sammy, Farris and Johnny Thomas; and four sisters, Zeina Monsour, Rose “Rosie” Plumlee, Josephine “Jay” Ray and Mary Swartz.

Dollie is survived by two children, Steve Williams and Linda Williams both of Joplin, Missouri; two grandsons, Zachary Crossland and Kayden Williams and Kayden’s mother, Sally Robinson; as well as a host of nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Funeral Mass for Mrs. Williams are 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2014, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri with Father Justin Monaghan officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Webb City, Missouri. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Zachary Crossland, Curtis Crossland, Chico Laptad, Dallas Owen, Ted Monsour and Chris Posey. Kayden Williams, Charles Woody, Kevin Woody, Gary Hood, David Zuehlke and Keith Snelson well be serving as honorary pallbearers. Rosary will be recited on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Friends may also pay their respects on Wednesday from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin. Memorials are being directed to St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Joplin, Missouri c/o of the mortuary. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through the website www.thornhilldillon.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri.
Her family would want her to be remembered as a woman whose love for her family was unmatched! She had a strength and tenacity that was truly “Dollie”! Her wit, wisdom and kindness were a blessing to all. She had a keen eye in business, a deep faith and an innate ability to connect with people of all ages.

Mom, we will never be the same without you. Every blessed day with you was a cherished moment in time. Heaven is a better place today. We will be forever grateful to call you Mom and Grandma. God bless you, we love you and watch over us with the love of your life!

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