Wilma (Malernee) Williams

Our world is a poorer place now that a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend has moved on. Wilma L. Malernee Williams, 98 years young, died peacefully in Columbus on October 18, 2019. She was born in Byesville, Ohio on August 18, 1921, the second of three children and only daughter of Jasper Denning and Bertha Amanda Witten Malernee. She spent her whole life loving and giving of herself.

Her early years were spent in Byesville and Columbus, graduating from Byesville High School in 1939. Her early passion was dancing and having fun, and she shared that fun and her always-present positive outlook on life with everyone to the very end.

She met the love of her life in March 1941, dated throughout WWII, and married Homer H. Williams on June 15th, 1946. They lived for a time in Endicott, NY, but returned to Ohio in 1949, where they spent 66 wonderful years together in Byesville, Caldwell, and Napoleon, Ohio. Homer passed October 19, 2012. She was a stay-at-home wife and mother, past member of Eastern Star, school volunteer, Brownie Scout leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, Sunday School teacher, hospital volunteer, and loyal friend and mentor to many. Her joy and sense of fun was demonstrated in many ways, including teaching her grandchildren how to ride two-wheeled bikes, and through her love of – and wicked nature while playing – Rook, Euchre, and other card games.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; older brother Arthur (Thelma) Malernee and younger brother William “Bill” Malernee; sister-in-law MaryAnna Williams Bond (Hobart); infant daughter, Kim Annette Williams, and beloved son, William “Billy Homer” Williams; as well as most of her friends and contemporaries.

Wilma is survived by her daughter, Katherine Ann Williams Wright (Tim Harter); daughter-in-law Connie Williams; grandchildren C.E. “Casey” Wright (Kate), Katherine “Kelly” Wright (Joe Rickey), and Danielle Williams Lobodzinski (Joe); great-grandson, Max Wright; sister-in-law Marjorie “Dee” Malernee; twelve nieces and nephews and their families; and many, many friends of all ages.

Wilma lived by example, teaching love, kindness, compassion, generosity, tolerance, and joy. Her final gift was her body donation to the OSU College of Medicine for teaching and research.

Following her wishes, no funeral is planned, although a “Family Party” and celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a happy memory and a donation to your favorite charity in her honor.

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