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Barbara Cyle Williams, 91, of New Franklin, Mo., passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, Mo.

On May 12, 1930, Barbara was born to Luther Angus Alexander and Eva Viola Ward Alexander in Bogalusa. She graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1948 and continued her education in New Orleans, graduating with a degree from Business School. After graduation, she started her career in Banking.

Barbara met the love of her life, Harold G. Williams, “Willie,” when he came to her home with her brother on a short military leave. The two started a friendship where they wrote letters to each other for the next two years. During the course of writing to one another, they fell in love, and Willie proposed to Barbara while he was still overseas — in one of the letters. The second time they met in person, Willie came home on leave from Korea and 23 days later, on Oct. 18, 1953, Barbara and Willie were united in marriage. Barbara traveled with Willie for years following his military career. Together, they had three children and were looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at the time of Willie’s death.

Barbara loved to sing. She was a fantastic opera singer and loved listening to opera, Dixieland, gospel, and big band music for hours on end. Barbara was a kind person who always looked for the good in people and constantly reminded others two wrongs don’t make a right. She enjoyed reading books and continued to educate herself. Barbara could be found at her dining room table most days working on the family’s genealogy, as she wanted her children to cherish the history of their ancestors. Barbara always had a listening ear for family and friends and was ready to coach you on the decision tree to help others make their decision. Barbara never knew a stranger. She would find a former connection to each person she met or simply create a new friendship. Barbara was a Christian who spent time in prayer every day, seeking guidance from the Lord on most everything and for those she loved. Barbara’s greatest delight was spending time talking with her children and grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Eva Alexander; her husband, Harold G. Williams; and her daughter, Samanitha Anne Williams Edwards.

Barbara is survived by her son, Harold Grant Williams Jr. of Dickinson, N.D., and her daughter, Beverley Jeanne (Kevin) Hallowell of Boonville, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Mitchell Hallowell, Seth (Lindsey) Hallowell, Zachary Hallowell, Lisa (Rick) Oldham, Nicholas (Cindy) Edwards, Jason (Chad) Edwards, Samuel (Josselin) Edwards, Kenneth (Tiffani) Edwards and Grant Williams; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held honoring Barbara at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin. Visitation was held immediately before the services at 10 a.m. Interment followed the funeral at Boonesboro Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions are suggested to Boonesboro Christian Church or the Boonesboro Cemetery Association.

Condolences may be shared online at www.marklandyager.com.