Myrna Sue Williams

Myrna Sue Williams peacefully took her last earthly breath on the evening of Sunday, October 4, 2026, at her home at Arbor House Assisted Living in Waco, Texas.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home prior to the Graveside Service at 12:00 p.m. at White Hall Cemetery in Woodway.

Myrna Sue was the daughter of E.K. McClain, Sr. and Ila Irene Miller McClain. She was born in Star City, Arkansas on August 9, 1929. As a child, Myrna Sue played school and later built a career as a cherished teacher. She graduated from Arkansas A&M University and completed her master’s degree at State College of Arkansas.

In Little Rock, Myrna was a teacher and educator for over 40 years at Meadowcliff Elementary, an active leader in Alpha Delta Kappa, and a dedicated advocate for public education. After retiring, Myrna moved to Waco. In 2010, she moved to Stilwell Retirement Residence, and later to Arbor House. In each community, Myrna Sue built a beautiful circle of friends.

Myrna was a long-time member of Geyer Springs United Methodist Church in Little Rock. With the help of cherished friends Alice and Charlie Staggs, Myrna connected a path of faith and friendship for many through youth leadership. In Waco, Myrna was a member of Woodway First United Methodist Church. She volunteered and worked closely with her dear friend Roz Milnes on an array of projects and church activities. Myrna remained strong by her friends and her faith in God.

Myrna will always be remembered for her deep sense of family love and her strength in character. She loved family reunions, traveling, playing dominoes and card games, and gathering hundreds of collectibles of her favorite animal, the giraffe. Most of all, Myrna Sue loved football and cheered loudly for the Arkansas Razorbacks - Woo Pig Sooie!

She was preceded in death by her siblings E.K. McClain, Jr., Mary Emily Cason, Ila Louise Workman, Wanda Jane Gardner, and Myrtle Ann Frizzell. She was also predeceased by treasured in-laws Clemmie McClain, George Cason, Cravon Workman, Lewis Gardener, Charles Buddy Frizzell, Wayne and Ann Williams, and Loverna Bethke Tucker.

Myrna Sue is survived by her children and many loved ones. Her family includes her son, John Strait Williams and wife, Gene, of Grayling, Michigan; granddaughter Ila Marie Jofre and husband Rodrigo; grandson John Strait Williams II, wife Andrea, and their children John III and Madeline; grandson Robert Gradl Williams, wife Joy, and their children Meredith and coming-soon baby boy; granddaughter Mary Margaret Alspaugh, husband Jake, and their children Molly and Jacob; granddaughter Sarah Viola Bane, husband Mark, and their children Asher, Viola, and Alice; and grandson Joshua LaDow.

Her family includes her daughter Ila Jane Williams Tucker and husband, Bobby; grandson Bobby Jr, wife Amanda, and their children Apollo Ray and Neptune June Bloom; granddaughter Gretchen Andry Reynolds, husband Frederick, and their children Yarden Andry and Ayelet Clementine; and grandson John Christopher Andry, wife Alicia, and their children Blake Salome and Brooks McClain.

Her loved ones include many generations of the extended McClain family; the children of Wayne & Ann Williams and their families; and the many brothers, sisters, children and extended family of Loverna Tucker, who embraced Myrna into their circle of family gatherings.

Her 97 years of life were a celebration of family, friendship, faith, and cherishing our blessings on earth. Myrna Sue’s last days were softened in rain, and God welcomed her with a gentle sunset and brilliant rainbow to guide her path home.

The family would like to thank the Arbor House community for providing a home of gracious love and dedicated care to Myrna and her family. Their kind words, late nights, and attentive care enriched Myrna’s final years.

Memorials may be made to Stilwell Retirement Residence at 5400 Laurel Lake, Waco TX 76710, a beloved home for Myrna and her late brother E.K.; the Temple Shalom Justice Garden at 6930 Alpha Road, Dallas TX 75240, a food donation project lead by her granddaughter Gretchen and cherished by Myrna Sue; or a charity close to your own heart.

We invite you to leave a message or memory of Myrna in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.