Helen Williams

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day." II Timothy: 4; 7-8

Helen Ruth (Rochell) Williams was born November 11, 1944, to John and Mary Barnes Rochell in Strong, AR.

She united with Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church at age 10. She served as a faithful member until her health began to fail. She attended Gardner High School in Strong, AR.

After High School, she began her work career to care for her family at Con Agra Poultry Company, where she remained until her retirement after 20 years of service.

In the early years of her life, she was acquainted with Mr. Richard Howard, and to this union, four children were born. Later, she united in holy matrimony to Mr. Sherman Penister, and two children were born to that union. After his death, she later married Mr. Albert Williams.

Mama, as she was affectionately called by many, was very caring, loving, and compassionate. Her accolades include cooking, singing, and praising God to the most high. She was well known for her famous Dumplings and peach cobbler and wanted to feed the entire community. Let's not forget her love for word-puzzle books. She was also the songbird of the south, to name a few of her favorites: Hold on just a lil while longer, God specializes, and He's done enough.

God knew the timing that he would call her home to be with him, and she accepted her call on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband: Albert Williams, Children: Danny Howard, Kimberly Penister, Shumpart Peniser Jr., Thurmon Penister, and Steven Howard, her siblings: Tilmon Rochell, Wiliam Rochell, Fannie McHenry, Clora Holmes,  and Theresa Williams, 

Her memories are cherished by her children, Kathy Manning (Roy), Brady Penister (Crystle), both of Smackover, AR. Mary Robinson (Tice) of El Dorado, AR. Her siblings: Henry Rochell of El Dorado, AR, John Rochell of Strong, AR, and Carl Presley of Milwaukee, WI. Her God Children: Cindy Smith (Percy) of Strong AR, Judy Burris of El Dorado, AR, Leandra Evans of Strong, AR, Sheila Gibson of El Dorado, AR. Her God sisters, Minnie Howell (Arvell) of Rio Vista, CA, Ever Ruth Thomas (Hosea) of Las Vegas, NV. Daughter in Laws, Glenda Sue Penister, and Ruth Penister. Her special Nieces, Carolunett Humphries of Milwaukee, WI, Cathy McHenry, and Aimee McHenry, both of Strong, AR. She also leaves 17 Grandchildren, 5 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Great- Great- Grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly.