Service Details
A Homegoing Celebration will be held for Magnolia at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 11:00AM. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.
For those wishing to watch the service via livestream, you may click on this link at 11:00 AM https://youtube.com/live/l8gKUpeCT0s?feature=share
Due to music licensing laws, you may experience moments of silence when recorded music is playing during the service.
Magnolia Williams, the beloved matriarch of our family, was born on December 27, 1930, in New Albany, Mississippi, to the late Ira Lee and Mary Ella Barker (née Mosley). She was united in marriage to Willie Lee Williams and was a longtime resident of the Racine community, where she stood as a pillar of love, strength, and unity within her family.
Magnolia was known for her kind and giving spirit and for the deep love she held for her family. She was especially passionate about bringing family members together and was steadfast in organizing gatherings and events that strengthened family bonds. She was also an excellent cook, whose meals brought comfort and joy to many. Magnolia possessed a remarkably sharp memory and an extensive knowledge of her family’s history, which she generously shared with others. Resourceful and wise, she carried a treasured wealth of family knowledge that she preserved and passed down with pride. She enjoyed phone conversations with family and friends; listening to gospel music and “oldies but goodies”; watching her favorite soap operas; playing card games; and—most of all—spending time with her family. Family gatherings brought her the greatest joy. Magnolia was employed by West View Nursing Home and Lincoln Lutheran. She also worked at the restaurant owned by her sister Mattie (Dhameera) and her husband, Edward (Qadeem).
Magnolia Williams departed this life on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the glorious age of 95. Her legacy of love, unity, and devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Joyce Long, Angela Gentry (Billy), Harold Williams, Michael Williams, and Rondale Williams; her daughters-in-law, Ezzie Williams and Verletha Williams; her grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Mable Hendrix and Emma Barker of Racine; Shelia Nelson-Sudmine of East St. Louis, Illinois; and Pearlene Lee of Illinois; her sister-in-law, Beverly (Connie) Barker of Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special Friends: Elouise Stacy, Annie Ruth Daniels, Minnie Johnson, Stacy Lake, Mildred Stinson, Mary Ann Meyers and Pastor Ernest Ni’A, for whom she had high regard and respect. Special caregivers: Minnie Johnson, Julie McClain, Tina Jones and Talitha Burnett. Magnolia was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Ollie Shareef; her daughter, Judy Williams; her son, Denver Williams; her granddaughter, Clarissa Williams-Reed; her son-in-law, Enoch Long; her sisters, Mary Lee Jamison, Dhameera Shakoor, and Ruth Hazel Barker; her step-sister, Ollie Mae; her brothers, Joe Barker and Johnny Barker; her stepbrothers, Willie Earl and Arthur Lee Towner; and her brothers-in-law, Freddie Jamison, Eddie Hendrix, and Qadeem Shakoor I.
Acknowledgement: The family of Magnolia Williams would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Oak Ridge Care Center for the care rendered to our loved one.
Lillian Boykin and family says
My deepest condolences to the family May God Bless you all and give you strength at this time.
Denver Townsend says
I can’t be there with you right now but I’m sending my love to you all she’s at peace now and no more suffering your cousin Denver ray
Angela Townsend says
My condolences to our family. Denver and angelaaltsontownsend
Debra Turner says
My sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you and the family.
Debra Turner & Family. says
My sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you and the family.
Anonymous says
I’m so heartbroken 💔 I sending my love, prayers and condolences to the family. She was such a kind loving person she became a very special person to me I loved working for her.🙏🙏
Love always. Gloria Griffin
Loritta Jamison says
Dear Family I send my Condolences and Prayers for God’s Comfort and Strength.
Loritta Jamison ~wife of the late Rev. Calvin Jamison
Little Rock, Arkansas
Laura Lui says
Hugs and prayers to your family. May all your memories be filled with love and happiness. The Lord has received another 😇 🙏🏽
Anonymous says
Thank God Almighty my Sister Magnolia is finally free. of pains!!!
Love, sister Mable
I says
Thank God. you my sister Magnolia is. free of. pains and. suffering!
Love,
sister Mable
Alvin Townsend says
Another Angel 😇 has been called home! We (all of us) will miss you and will always think about what you meant to each every one ❤️ of us! I’m never going to forget how I had to visit with you when I needed reminders about how to get back on track when I fell off. Love you, no more pain! God bless
Joanne Tucker-Powell & Family says
We are sending our condolences and prayers 🙏 to the family. We are sorry for your loss. RIP Mrs Williams.
Joanne Tucker-Powell & Family says
We are sending our condolences and prayers 🙏 to Joyce and her entire family. Sorry for the loss of your mother. RIP ❤️ Mrs Williams
Joanne Tucker-Powell & Family says
We are sending our condolences and prayers 🙏 to Joyce and her entire family. Sorry for the loss of your mother. RIP ❤️ Mrs Williams
Stacey Moore & Family says
Condolences to the Williams Family
Jo Ann Egerson says
Mag, Iam going too miss you very much, you will always be on my heart,
James & Carla Smith says
You and your family have our deepest condolences in the loss of your dear mother.
Samantha Moore Felt says
Sending my condolences to the family and friends of one of the most sweetest and kindest lady I’ve ever known. Living across the street from Mama Maggie during my childhood was the best times of my life . Rest in Paradise Amazing and lonely Lady .
Anonymous says
My sincere condolences and l
Anonymous says
My sincere condolences and love and prayers to my cousins Madea dearly loved her sister and Pete dearly loved his aunt
Ruth Lee and family says
My sincere condolences and love and prayers to my cousins Madea dearly loved he sister and Pete dearly loved her 💘 Aunt Mag was an awesome lady
Maurice Townsend says
Rest in heaven to one of the greatest people I met in planet earth fly high aunt mag you definitely earned your wings and your spot in heaven god bless my family
Takiya Nicole Townsend says
I’m going miss her so much she one of my favorite auntie I hope she rest in peace 🙏😇🙏💓💓💓
Danisha Lee says
I will miss you Aunt Mag! You are gone, but not forgotten! Love ❤️ always.
Danisha Lee says
I will like to give my condolences and I will miss you so much Aunt Mag! You are gone, but not forgotten! Love ❤️ always!
Caurice Townsend says
I’m still in disbelief aunt mag has definitely gained her wings she never judged me she always loved me. I will miss u aunty and will always keep our memories alive love your niece Cookie❤️💪🏾