Obituary for Mary Frances Zorn Williams
Mary Frances Zorn Johnson Williams, age 92, peacefully passed on to her Heavenly Father Wednesday, July 6, 2023, at Harbor Chase Memory Care, Tallahassee, Florida. A celebration of her life will be held at First Baptist Church, Quincy, Fla., Saturday, July 15, 2023. Visitation begins at10 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. in the church by Pastor Jeff Jackson and Pastor Shelly Chandler.
Frances is the widow of James Hillary Williams, Quincy, Fla. They married in 1994, enjoying a very happy life together for many years in Quincy, Fla. Unfortunately, James passed away from pancreatic cancer much too soon.
Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Dwain Smith and her husband, Jerry Smith, Quincy, Florida; her son, Tony Johnson, Orlando, Fla.; granddaughters Lisa M. Wilson (Philip), great-grandsons, Sam and Ian Wilson, Cincinnati, Ohio; Barbie M. Strickland (Eric), great-granddaughters, Brooke and Lauren Strickland, Brunswick, Georgia; Bettice M. Buckley (Tommy), great-grandchildren Allison Blair Miller, Ainsley, Avyn and Lawson Buckley, Panama City, Florida; sister-in-law Charlotte Zorn, Tampa, Florida; nephew Joey Zorn, Tampa, Florida; half-brother Dan Strickland, Panama City, Florida and many nephews and nieces. Frances is also survived by step-sons Craig Williams (Tom Bonanti) Quincy, Florida and Tommy Williams (Teresa) and children, Panama City, Fla.; Shanna Smith Christensen (Brandon), daughters Hallie, Newnan, Ga., and Anna Grace Christensen, Cincinnati, Ohio; Chad Smith (Jillian) and daughter, Annelise, Tallahassee, Fla.; Hunter Smith (Amanda), Tallahassee, Fla.
Frances was born in Covington County, Alabama on December 5, 1930, to parents Ernest (Bud) Zorn and Jewel Tranum Zorn Strickland. She was the oldest of two brothers, Joe and Mark Zorn, who lovingly called her “Bob.” Growing up during the Depression Era and WWII, she and her brothers developed strong survival skills and strong work ethics enabling them to succeed in life. Their deep love for each other never wavered and they continued to remain connected. Frances wrote a book describing their life in rural southern Alabama.
At 15 years of age, Frances traveled by bus to Greensboro, Florida to live with cousins she had never met. She found employment at Morrow’s Cleaners in Quincy, Florida. Soon after WWII ended, Frances was introduced to Sylvester Johnson who worked at Bud’s Cigar Factory in Quincy. They were married January,1947, and she joined him in the workforce at Bud’s Cigar Factory. In August,1948, their first child, Patricia Dwain Johnson, was born. Nine years later, the family adopted a son, Richard Anthony (Tony) Johnson.
Frances began secretarial school in Quincy while she worked at Bud’s Cigar Factory. After finishing courses, Frances began working for the State of Florida in Tallahassee, Florida as a clerk typist. She transferred to Quincy’s Dept. of Public Welfare as receptionist and clerk typist. In 1968, Frances began working as secretary for the Assistant Dean of Music at FSU and later secretary to FSU’s school newspaper editor. After hours, Frances worked part-time at TMH. In 1980, Frances moved to Chattahoochee, Fla and worked as Volunteer Service Coordinator for the Chattahoochee State Hospital. After retiring from State employment, she worked for Dr. Jeff Landau in Chattahoochee, Florida. When she married James Williams, she worked at Quincy’s TMH Clinic as receiving clerk for a few years.
Frances exhibited her true love of Christ by serving on many church committees, especially WOM. She enjoyed welcoming visitors to First Baptist and encouraging new neighbors to visit her church. Friends and family enjoyed many wonderful Sunday dinners she prepared. She will always be remembered for sharing her fresh baked cakes and goodies to neighbors, family, friends, and co-workers.
We have wonderful memories of our mother to carry in our hearts. We are truly blessed to have her as our mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Charles McClellan Funeral Home, Quincy, FL., 850-627-7677, is in charge of arrangements.
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