Mary Lee Williams

Sunrise February 29, 1940-----------------Sunset November 11, 2022

Mary Lee Williams, 82, formerly of Massillon, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on November 11, 2022. She passed peacefully in the care of her eldest son’s home in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

Mary was a “Leap Year Baby” born on February 29, 1940, in Montgomery, Alabama to the late Rev. James and Georgia (Arrington) Perry Sr.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. James, and Georgia L. Perry, two sisters: Rose Perry and Georgia M. Williams, two brothers: John Perry and Will H. Perry, her granddaughter: Lateia S. Williams, Her grandson, Andre Tolbert, Cousins: Klara M. Arrington and Eddi (Lois) Arrington Earley, Uncle and Aunt: Rev. Eddie and Annie M. Arrington, and Aunt: Nora Baskin-Pace

She was a proud 1959 graduate of Massillon’s Washington High School and a life-long fan of the Massillon Tigers where she collected tickets at the gates of Paul Brown Tiger Stadium for the football games every Friday night and monitored the student section. She was also an avid fan of all Ohio sports teams, especially LeBron James whether he played on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and now the Los Angeles Lakers. This admiration came out of a brief conversation she had with LeBron when she met him face to face when he came to watch his high school team Akron St. Vincent when they played Massillon at the stadium. Ever since then she believed LeBron was inspired to become a great basketball player because of her words of encouragement and inspiration…. ever since then she was LeBron’s biggest fan!

Mary worked for over 40 years for the Massillon City Schools as a monitor. Her character was known as being very kind and encouraging to so many students, teachers, coaches, and administrators. Just think within her long years of employment she reached out to over 50,000 students and staff with her loving smile and loving personality. Mary accomplished another astonishing task of working Two Full Time jobs at the same time for at least 15 years! She worked midnights at Massillon’s Tyson Roller Bearing and would then walk for her exercise 2-3 miles to her other job at the school and she then walk back home to cook for her family. Truly Amazing!

After watching her sister Georgia work at the election polls for many years, Mary became very interested and eventually also became very dedicated as an election poll worker for at least 20 years until she became ill. Many even recognized her as the most elegant Host of the Crystal Light Ballroom and Restaurant in Canton for several years.

Many people nicknamed her “Mary Kay” because she had a passion and talent as a Mary Kay cosmetic salesperson and consultant. She never got the Pink Cadillac, but she became the Top Salesperson many times. She was known for being fashion stylist and for her dressing to the “Nine”

But most people knew Mary from her worship in church. She loved good gospel singing, Bible study, Sunday School and going to the Baptists Conventions. She was what you would call a ‘Church Girl”! Mary was a devoted member of her church Shiloh Baptist Church of Massillon where she enjoyed her Pastor’s Preaching and the choirs singing. Mary grew up in the church starting as a little girl in Montgomery, Alabama and when her family moved to Massillon, she joined Friendship Baptist Church. Many years she spent at Friendship Baptist church as a Sunday School teacher, circles, J.E.S.U.S. committee and lead many songs in the Senior Choir.

Mary heartbeats were her two sons: Lynn and Aubrey and her Grandchildren. She was so proud to live and see the fruits of her teachings and to watch the journey of her eldest son, Lynn become a Pastor in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Mary’s vision and aspiration has always been for her youngest son, Aubrey to fulfill his dream and God-given talent to own and operate his own Yard and Landscaping Service which she was so proud how he would manicure her yard and bushes. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren, family, and friends.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her two loving sons: Pastor Elder Llewellyn (Lynn) (Annie) Williams in New Castle, Pa., and Aubrey James Williams Sr., (former) husband; James C. Williams both of Massillon, Ohio, 10 loving Grandchildren; Cortez Daniels, Allesha Jefferies, Ezra Williams, Ezriana Williams, Aubrey J. Williams Jr., Darius “Shug” Williams, DeAngelo Wheeler, Lisa Brinson and Leslie Brinson, 24 precious Great Grandchildren, and one adorable Great-Great Grand Child. Four loving brothers: James Perry of Massillon, Donald K. (Kathy) Perry of Columbus, Ohio, Curtis A (Cynthia) Perry III of Canton, Ohio, and Wesley P. (Michelle) Perry, Special loving niece: Precynthia A. Williams-(Joe) Waters, very Special Cousin/Friend Mamie Bodiford-Williams: Special Friends Sylvia Smith, Asrean Pierce and Leah Eckenrode, plus many precious nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and two dogs Bo and Clay that she cherished. Mary was a very kind and sweet person whom the community loved dearly and adored. She will be missed by all.

The family will receive friends in the Calling Hours from 8:00 am to 10:00 am on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Massillon, Ohio. The Home going service begins at the church at 10:00 am. Her son, Pastor Elder Llewellyn Williams will deliver the eulogy. Flowers, condolences and resolutions shall be receive at Paquelet Funeral Home.