Leona May Williams

Born on July 6, 1929, in Dollarville, Michigan, Leona was the beloved daughter of Samuel and Laurena (Gilroy) Huntley. She grew up in the Dollarville/Newberry area and graduated from Newberry High School in 1948. Shortly after, she worked at Westin’s General Store in Newberry.

On February 8, 1950, Leona married the love of her life, Glenn Williams, at the Newberry Methodist Church. Together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Leona devoted herself to raising their five children: Glenys, Stephen, Terri, Scott, and Dana embracing her role as a caring and dedicated homemaker. In 1965, the family made their home in Escanaba, where many cherished memories were made. Glenn preceded her in death on August 23, 2018.

Leona was a woman of quiet faith and community spirit. She was active in the United Methodist Women’s Group and attended Central United Methodist Church. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures; reading, sharing coffee and conversation with loved ones, and playing games. She especially enjoyed a good game of Rook or cribbage and rarely passed up her favorite pastime of watching soap operas. Above all, family meant everything to her, and she treasured every moment spent together.

She is lovingly survived by her children: Glenys (Rick) Hull of Fort Myers, Florida; Terri (Gerald) Branstrom of Gladstone; Scott (Jean) Williams of Stillwater, Minnesota; and Dana Williams of Escanaba; daughter-in-law Judy Williams of Powers; along with 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews who will dearly miss her.

In addition to her parents and husband, Leona was preceded in death by her son, Stephen; her brother, Gus Huntley; and her sisters, IdaBelle Kinsella and June Martinchek.

Private family visitation and funeral services were held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Lily Brondyke officiating. Entombment took place in the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum. The Anderson Funeral Home assisted the Williams family with arrangements, and online condolences may be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net