Jeretta May Williams, 92, of Ottumwa, died at 8:52 p.m. October 16, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.
She was born May 16, 1932 in Moravia to Delphin Delmos and Ruth Selix Taylor. She married Malcolm “Max” Williams on August 24, 1952 and he preceded her in death on August 14, 1989.
Jeretta graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1950 and recently represented her class at OHS’s centennial celebration. At a young age, she worked as a telephone operator at Northwestern Bell, for Don Brown and at Meadow Gold Dairy for a short time. Returning to Northwestern Bell she worked in the administration offices in Ottumwa. She moved to Des Moines where she was the pay phones coin collector for the phone company.
Jeretta had been a member of First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed watching her birds outside of her window, watching sports and the Mollie B. Polka Party on television, going to dinner where she was excited to critique the food. She loved to travel including South Carolina, Washington D.C. and three times on cruises to Alaska. Most importantly, she loved all of her family, attending as many of her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s events as possible.
Surviving are her three sons, Douglas (Brenda) Williams of Ottumwa, Dave (Julie) Williams of Johnston, and Dean (Kelly) Williams of Irmo, SC; 9 grandchildren, Michaela (Jamie) Kennedy, Ryan (Michelle) Williams, Elizabeth Williams, Brett (Meg) Williams, Katlyn (Nathan) Overturf, Andrea Williams, Jaxson Williams, Peyton Williams and Paige Williams; 11 great-grandchildren, William Overturf, Maddox Kennedy, Mercedes Kennedy, Jepsen Williams, Grant Overturf, Malcom “Max” Williams, Tucker Overturf, Charleston Williams, Walker Overturf, Rex Williams and Ruth Williams.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Loretta Taylor; a special friend, Pat Conley and her dog, Brymi.
Her body has been cremated. Visitation with her family present to greet friends will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, November 29th at Reece Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday November 30th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Inurnment will be in Shaul Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Ottumwa A Club or Heartland Humane Society.
