Geraldine Esther Williams

.......Geraldine Esther Williams went home to be with the Lord on October 18, 2025 at the age of 88. Although, if you asked her, she never thought she was a day over 83. Geri was born to the late James and Lena (Rogers) Marlow on December 31, 1936 in Rolla, MO. On May 21, 1955, Geri married the love of her life Robert “Bob” Williams Jr. Together they raised three children: Esther, Dean and Glenda. Sadly, Bob passed away July 12, 1985 in Columbia, MO. Her daughter Esther also preceded her in death, February 23, 2003. Geri worked several small jobs throughout her life, but her most meaningful work was baking in the kitchens at Rolla Public Schools and Boonville Public Schools. As a young girl, she helped hand out milk in the lunch line and she decided then that she wanted to be a “lunch lady” so she could feed children also. It brought her great joy and many lifelong friendships. After retirement, she also enjoyed working at Walmart in Boonville as a greeter. She liked to stay busy with friends in Boonville and Rolla, especially with her fellow Red Hat members and widows group. She was always on the go. Geri stressed the importance of having “mad money” stashed in the car because “you just never knew when you might need a little something extra.” Extra could be anything from a Dr. Pepper, a peppermint ice cream, or a new strawberry trinket; but she never shied away from life’s simplest pleasures. She always found joy in the smallest of things. A half colored page from one of the grandkids, a birthday card from a friend, a pretty paper napkin, a rock collected on a walk, or a program from one of the kid’s games have all become treasures; saved time and time again as mementos of a life that she loved. Affectionately known to many as “Little Grandma”, Geri was happiest surrounded by her family and friends. In her younger years, you would often find her in the kitchen making her famous strawberry pretzel dessert or an angel food cake. Her love of sweets ran deep and she shared that with her kids and grandkids. Who else was going to teach us that our French fries tasted better dipped in ice cream, that we can always eat dessert first, or that it’s perfectly acceptable to deliver donuts to your family at 2 o’clock in the morning? The kitchen was the heart of her home and we spent countless hours around the table playing games and visiting. If you left her house hungry or bored, it was your own fault. Although we lovingly called her Little Grandma for her teeny tiny stature, Geri was anything but small when it came to being a Christian. Her faith was strong and her prayers were big. She was always just a phone call away to offer support, wisdom, and love. We said she must have a direct line to God because He always seemed to answer her whispered prayers just right. She would remind us that we just had to have faith like a mustard seed, and it would move mountains (Matthew 17:20). If anyone was living proof of being small, but mighty, it was definitely Geri Williams. Those left to remember Little Grandma are her daughter Glenda (Ed) Snodgrass, their children Kacie (Aaron) Wassilak and Tony Snodgrass; son Dean (LeAnn) Williams, his daughters: Aleisha (Jeff) Sagel, Rinda Williams-Skaggs and Mindy Williams; Esther’s sons Jeremy Whaley, Daniel (Terri) Whaley, and Sean Whaley; great-grandchildren Riley, Ray and Reese Wassilak, Riker, Bellaryen, and Aveline Snodgrass, Ashley, Brandon and Devin Sagel, Verona and DJ Skaggs; Isaiah Williams; Ethan, Cameron and DJ Whaley; sister Rose Torrez; bonus great-grandchildren Connor Joyce, Madison Hamby, Ethan Brown, and Mya Lewis; several nieces and nephews; countless friends, and her trusted furry companions Gus and Goose. In addition to her parents, spouse, and daughter, Geri was preceded in death by her siblings, Delmar, Dena, Donald, and Doris; as well as her amazing stepmother Ethel and a host of special family members and friends. A private graveside service will be held for family. In lieu of traditional mourning, we will celebrate the remarkable life of Geri Williams with a tea party in her honor at a later date.

Geraldine Esther Williams

December 31, 1936 - October 18, 2025

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Geraldine Esther Williams

December 31, 1936 - October 18, 2025

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information