Mary Ellen Todd Williams, 91, of Columbus County, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025. Born on May 18, 1934, she grew up in the Mill Branch community, where she first learned the values of faith, family, and hard work that guided her entire life.

in 1955, Mary married the love of her life, Harold Kenneth Williams, and together they celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage. Their partnership was strong, loving, and filled with devotion as they raised their family and supported one another through every season of life.

She is survived by her husband, Harold; sons Tod Williams (Donna) and Mark Williams (Suzanne); grandchildren Ken Williams, Worth Williams (Haley), Ellen Klenow (Nolan), Hannah Williams, and Lauren Williams; and great-grandchildren, Worth Williams, Jr., Wells Williams, and Beckett Klenow. She is also survived by her brothers Elton Todd (Mary Ellen) and David Todd (Shirley); sister-in-law Brenda Carter; and many beloved nieces and nephews, for whom she was a favorite aunt.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Rutha Todd; her son Richard Williams and his wife Belinda; her brother H.B. Todd and his wife Esther; her sister Muriel Miller and her husband Robert; and her sister-in-law Doris Todd.

A graduate of Williams Township High School in 1952, where she proudly served as head cheerleader for four years, Mary later attended Cecil's Business College in Asheville. She worked for J.S. Mann's in Whiteville for many years as a bookkeeper and later helped operate the family business, Williams Farm Service, alongside her husband.

Mary was a dedicated mother who would do anything for her children and was endlessly proud of her family. She served as a Cub Scout den mother for all three of her sons and was an active leader in her church community. Her deep faith in God guided her lifelong involvement in the Methodist Church, where she held leadership roles in the women's club, worked with the MYF, sang in the choir, and joyfully participated in countless church activities.

Known affectionately as the family's "Energizer Bunny," she had a remarkable zest for life and stayed constantly busy with the things she loved. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading, gardening, and keeping an immaculate home. She was a talented cook who never let a visitor leave her house without something delicious to eat. Her hospitality was simply part of who she was.

Mary was originally a member of Iron Hill Baptist Church before moving her membership to Lebanon Methodist Church, where she remained devoted throughout her adult life. She also faithfully supported her husband through his career. They lived in several towns across the Carolinas before moving back to the family farm in Clarendon for most of the remainder of their life.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held on Tuesday, December 16th at 2:00 PM at Lebanon Methodist Church, 9237 James B White Hwy S, Whiteville, NC. The family will receive guests at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Tabor City.

 In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lebanon Methodist Church in her honor.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockfuneralhome.net