Mary M. Swimpson Williams

Mary Magdalene Williams was born on April 7, 1937 to the late Reverend Jart and Mrs. Choncie Swimpson in Martin County, North Carolina. On Friday, July 31, 2020, Deaconess Williams departed this life and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At the age of two, Deaconess Williams’ family relocated to Virginia where she was educated in Portsmouth Public Schools and later graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth. During her adolescent years, Mary, affectionately known as “Lean,” and her sisters formed the dynamic gospel singing group, The Swimpson Gospel Singers, under the direction and management of their father, Reverend Jart Swimpson. The Swimpson Gospel Singers were widely known throughout the Tidewater region for their melodious, spirit-filled harmonies. Mary and her sisters even recorded a song at a radio station in Richmond, VA. In fact, it was after ministering one evening with The Swimpson Gospel Singers that Mary met her soon-to-be husband, Mr. Louis L. Williams, Sr. The couple married December 12, 1958, and from their union, they welcomed six beautiful children--one girl and five boys--whom she cherished and loved dearly. Mary was the proud grandmother of 20 (12 granddaughters and 8 grandsons), as well as the great-grandmother of 15 (7 great-grandsons and 8 great-granddaughters). As a devoted wife and mother, Mary insisted on cultivating a home of Christian principles--prayer, devotions, and music. Mary later became a member of Union Baptist Missionary Church for almost forty years where she served as a deaconess and a member of the Senior, Gospel, Memorial, and C.V. Russell Inspirational church choirs. She also served on the Evangelistic Outreach Ministry and the Intercessory Prayer Warriors Team. She faithfully attended Sunday School and weekly prayer meetings. Mary was not afraid to use her voice to usher in praise, and she was best known for her spirit-filled solo, “Down on My Knees When Troubles Rise.” Over the course of her adult life, Mary served as a loving caretaker to numerous children in her community for decades. She was respected and admired as a woman of grace, wisdom, and faith in her church and community, alike. Her spiritual maturity and joyful demeanor were reflected in her kind-hearted conversations, her infectious laugh, and her selfless words of encouragement. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Jart and Choncie Swimpson; her brothers, Robert, Willie, David Lee, and Marvin (Arlene), James Arthur Hudson (Dorothy Mae); her sisters, Easter Mae (Johnnie) and Gloria; sister-in laws, Martha Jean, Juliet; and brother-in-laws, George E. and George. Mary will be forever cherished and remembered by her loving husband, Louis, Sr. also known as “Bobby,” her daughter, Sheryl (Rudy), her sons, Louis, Jr. (Vickie), Steven (Dena), Mark (Angela), Reginald (Patricia), Vincent (Wendy); grandchildren, Shanique, Chantel, Tiffany (Jonathan), Shadé (Tyrone), Camarrie, Brittnie (Robert III), Darrius, Rashada, Justina (Harold), Ashley, Daniel, Rubi, Samuel, Mark, Jr., Vincent, Jr., Reginald, Jr., ReNaya, Greg, Daryl, and Kim; great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Jr., Mya, Amina, Elle, Olivia, Gabriel, Tamia, Tiana, Jurnee, Robert IV, Rio, Malik, Autumn-Rai, Asaiah, Kash, and Dior. Also, to honor her memory are her surviving sisters, Elsie and Delores, her sister-in-laws, Margaret, Maggie, Gloria, and a brother-in-law, Willie, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church congregational family, and dear friends. Mary M. Williams was a gentle heart, a courageous soul, and a powerful spirit. Her legacy of love lives on in the lives and memories of all whom she touched. Proverbs 31:10-31

Mary M. Swimpson Williams

April 7, 1937 - July 31, 2020