Elva Lou Frances Williams Obituary (1931

Elva Lou Frances Stewart Williams went to be with the Lord on March 15, 2017 just 5 days short of her 86th birthday. She was born on Friday, March 20, 1931 to Ira and Laura Lou Duncan Stewart in Wickes, Arkansas. Elva loved the Lord, her family, and friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mena where she served faithfully and was involved in many ministries up until her death. Elva was married to the love of her life, Xavier Ross Williams for almost 70 years. Elva married Ross when she was 16 years old and followed him to Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and then on to Southwestern Theological Baptist Seminary in Fort Worth, TX where she got an Associate's degree. Later, Elva received her teaching degree at the Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas. Elva touched many lives as an elementary school teacher for 35 years even getting an award for the Elementary Teacher of Year in the State Of Arkansas, but her greatest ministry was as the best friend and wife working alongside Ross as a pastor's wife. Elva loved and was loved by all the church members they worked with over the years. Her heart was always in Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, or any other ministry leading people to know the Lord. Elva loved her kids and grandchildren and great grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments in life and supported them in all their endeavors. Elva was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, brother, Olen Stewart, and two sisters, Bonnie Vasil, Oza Herring. Elva is survived by her two children, Gary Williams and wife, Sharon of Mena, and Donna Merriman and husband, Hal of Jacksonville, six grandchildren, Kristi Schuller and husband, Steven of Mena, Kevin Williams and wife, Tiffany of Mena, Keith Williams and wife, Amber of Mena, Melissa Kennedy and husband, Robert of Maumelle, Kyle Williams and fiance', Cori of Hot Springs, Kim Williams and husband, Chadd of Siloam Springs and nine great grandchildren, Olivia Lockhart, Andrew Davis, Alexis Williams, Nicholas Williams, Grayden Kennedy, Tessa Williams, Jenna Williams, Everly Kennedy, and Aubrey Williams; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church with Brother Russell Threet officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena under the direction of Bowser Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, March 17, 2017 from 6-8 P.M. at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mena. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com