Margaret L. Williams

Margaret L. Williams affectionately known by many as “Margo” was born on January 2, 1934 in Cary, Mississippi to the union of Tom Johnson and Alberta Jackson.

She was united in marriage to Houston Shannon in Kansas City, MO in 1950, and the marriage ended by divorce in Phoenix, Arizona in 1966. To this union four daughters were born Linda Edwards, Tina Merritt, Valerie Thompson and Mary Shannon.

Margo was united in marriage to George Williams in Sacramento, California in 1967 until his death on March 3, 1993.

Margo gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was an active member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Sacramento, California under the leadership of Reverend Willie P. Cooke and later under the leadership of Reverend Anthony R. Sadler. She served on the usher board for many years. Her dedication continued after her move to Liberty, Missouri in October, 2022 by participating via Zoom at weekly prayer meetings and Sunday church services.

Margo was a retired registered nurse at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California. She was an active participant in the Sacramento Black Nurses Association, a member of the Society of Military Widows and Gold Star Wives. In 2006, Margo was one of the founding members of the Red Hat Society, Queen of the Niles Chapter. She faithfully served as the Vice Queen for more than 16 years. She served on former President Barack Obama’s campaign committee during both terms. She enjoyed playing and “winning” games with her two Pokeno groups. She was an avid sports fan - basketball, football, golf, gymnastics, and tennis. She loved hosting her annual Fourth of July backyard cookouts with friends.

Margo was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Tom and Mamie Johnson, spouse George Williams, two brothers Tom (aka Bubba) Johnson, Jr. and Tom (aka Poncho) Johnson III, two sisters Robbie Moore and Bernice Turner, one grandchild Wilbur Shannon and two nephews Eric Grimes and Aaron Boss.

She leaves to cherish her memory: four daughters, Linda Edwards of Austin, Texas, Tina Merritt, Valerie Thompson of Kansas City, MO, and Mary Shannon of Lee’s Summit, MO. Two sisters, Shirley Grimes of Kansas City, MO and Yvonne Boss (Joe) of Phoenix, AZ. Nine grandchildren, Nakeita Merritt and Mamie Smith (Nelson) of Kansas City, MO, Britney Beeks (Zahie) of Independence, MO, Rushelle Hargrove of San Diego, California, Darrell Shannon, Tony Edwards,

Moses Harper of Phoenix, AZ, and Kelly Bunton (Donald) of Austin, Texas; ten great-grandchildren, a host of relatives and many, many friends.