Gutherine Williams

Gutherine Smith-Williams was born August 6, 1930 and entered eternal life on September 11, 2024 peacefully in her home in Florida.

Gutherine was the youngest of four children born to the late Hayward Smith and Minnie Louise Walker (Smith/Gaylord). She was preceded in eternity by Cortes Williams Sr a.k.a. James Braxton a son Byron Lee Vern Williams, two sisters Ermaline Smith, Hester Morris her brother Lee Arthur a.k.a Son Smith, and a beloved nephew who was like a brother Calvin Lee Vern West.

She grew up in church, received the Lord and was baptized at an early age. She received her education in the Eufaula, Oklahoma school system and attended Langston University.

Gutherine was united in marriage to Cortes Williams Sr aka James and to this union six children were born. Years later she welcomed an additional son to the family.

Gutherine was a hard worker, the hardest working person we knew. She worked six to seven days, 80 plus hours a week for years, holding two or more jobs at a time. She never complained and rarely ever missed work. She worked to provide her family with the best life possible and that she did. She retired with 40 plus years of service from Truman Medical Center (University Health). She also worked over the years at BMG maintenance, Hotel Muehlebach, Mission East Nursing Home and the Commodity Center.

Gutherine loved her family and enjoyed traveling with them. Her favorite activity while traveling was sitting on the balcony ‘people watching’.  She would come back with stories no one else had.  After retirement, she went to visit Florida and decided to make Florida her retirement home with her son and daughter in love. They welcomed her with open arms. She said she never thought she would be able to retire in Florida, but she enjoyed it so much. She enjoyed sitting on the lanai reading while drinking her coffee. She also enjoyed seeing whatever she could see until she said Ted planted the business bushes. She always joked with him that he needed to cut them down. She would spend summers in Louisville, Kentucky where she became the unofficial neighborhood watch looking for kids as they came home from school. She would then visit Kansas City for a couple months before returning to Florida. She would also visit with Nicky and Erica when Ted and Dee traveled. She made it known that Florida was her home, and she was just visiting everyone else.

Gutherine was affectionately known as Momma, Mom, Granny, Gus, but her favorite was Grandma. Her grandchildren brought her so much joy, and she uniquely helped all of them.  She loved seeing them, spending time with them and hearing all about what was going on with them. All of the stories shared helped her to stay young. Education was important to her, and she encouraged all to continue their education. She attended every graduation until her health didn’t allow it.

She recently celebrated her 94th birthday with several of her grandchildren and great grandchildren in Florida. They showered her with love and she was happy and at peace to see everyone.

Rest well Mom.  We love you; we miss you, and your legacy lives on through us.