20202021ObituariesVernie Lee McDowell Williams

January 21, 1941 ~ May 6, 2021

“When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, For every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.”

Vernie Lee McDowell Williams was born on January 21, 1941, to Floyd and Marguerite McDowell. She went on to graduate from Live Oak High School in 1958 and married the love of her life, Howard Eugene (Gene) Williams. She spent her early years as a hair dresser and finally ended up working at Department of Revenue from which she retired. Vernie left this earth Thursday, May 6, 2021, bound for heaven. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, a sister-in-law, and a friend to many. She was loved by everyone she met. She wore her many hats of life with such grace and love for others. She held her family first and foremost in her life. Her last few years were filled with pain and ill-health, but no more. She is dancing and singing in heaven now, free of pain and discomfort. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband of almost 63 years Howard Eugene (Gene) Williams, her daughter Bridgette Jean Williams Chavers (and husband Phillip) all of Watson, her sister Doretha Sue McDowell of Walker, her brothers Lynn McDowell (and Mae) of Watson, Wilton McDowell (and Nancy) of Maine, and sister-in-law Louise Templet from Denham Springs. She also leaves behind her grandchildren whom she loved so very much and was so very proud of…Bryan Stonecipher (and Laura) of Colorado, and Amanda Zalfen (and Andrew) of Port Allen.  She leaves behind her most precious treasured gifts of all, her great-grandchildren…Anna Grace, Abigail Brynn, and Andrew Wyatt all of Colorado, and Bryson Andrew of Port Allen. Vernie also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews as well. She is preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Marguerite McDowell, and her baby brother Revis and her in-laws Howard O. and Sybil Williams. In leiu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee in memory of Vernie Lee McDowell Williams.

Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, Wednesday, May 12, from 12 p.m. until service at 3 p.m. There will be a gathering at the family home following the service.

” Listen to God with a broken heart. He is not only the doctor who mends it, but also the father who wipes away the tears.”