Mary Lou (Bigley) Williams

Mary Lou Williams was called to her eternal home on May 9, 2025, in Poland, Ohio. Born on June 21, 1929, in New Castle PA to Irwin E. and Ethel Mae (Collins) Bigley. Mary Lou lived a life rooted in love, family, and faith.

On August 29, 1946, she married David R. Williams. Together, they shared 46 years of marriage and raised six children. Her devotion to her family was unwavering—she never missed an opportunity to celebrate milestones with cards and gifts for every occasion. She took great joy in attending countless sporting events, recitals, baptisms, confirmations, graduations, and weddings of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou's kitchen was the heart of many gatherings. Her potato salad, spice cake, zucchini bread, pies, and cookies were cherished by all who tasted them. A lifelong Pittsburgh Pirates fan, she also enjoyed cheering on the Steelers and Pitt teams.

She gave generously of her time as a Brownie leader and Boy Scout Den mother. A devoted member of New Covenant Evangelical Presbyterian Church, she sang in the choir, greeted fellow worshippers warmly, and participated in numerous fundraisers. A proud graduate of the NeCaHi Class of 1947, she remained active in organizing reunions.

She will be truly missed by her children: Frederick (Lois) Williams of Boardman; Diane Greer and Sherry Haddle of Pulaski; Cindy Kerr of New Castle; David Williams of Greenville; and Donna (Earl) Hogue of New Wilmington. Also missing their  "Grandma Lou" are 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren. Mary Lou is also survived by her sister Carol Smith of Ocala, Florida; and sister-in-law Shirley Bigley of Lakeland, Florida.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brothers William Bigley and Dr. Rev. James Bigley; sisters Maxine Green, Betty Fisher, Winifred McGowan, Patricia Boatman, and Donna Bigley; grandson Joshua Smolnik; and sons-in-law Hillary “Butch” Greer, Ted Kerr, and George Haddle.

The family would like to thank Hampton Woods Nursing Home staff, Dr. Joseph Noga of Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Hospital Boardman and Crossroads Hospice for their professional and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 21 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at New Covenant Evangelical Presbyterian Church. A funeral service will follow. Burial will take place at a later date at Barkeyville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc., 3896 Oakwood Avenue, Austintown  OH  44515. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

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