Mary was an avid amateur interior decorator/horticulturist. Her Belleville South Park Drive home and gardens presented like the Garden of Eden to the neighbors and all who visited. Mary enjoyed entertaining and hosted frequent poolside parties and get-togethers. She had been an active member of the Swansea Moose, the Belleville Elks Lodge, and the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. Her charm, style, grace, and firecracker no-nonsense personality will be missed, but forever remembered by all those who knew and loved her. Mary was the proud co-owner of the former Bill’s Camera Shops, which had locations in Belleville, O’Fallon, and East St. Louis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Williams; her first husband, William J. McMurtrey Sr; two sons, Ronald McMurtrey and Garry McMurtrey; her mother, Mildred Morris; her stepfather, Milton Morris Sr.; her father, John E. Bowman; and four brothers, Johnny Bowman, Eddie Bowman, Russel Bowman, and Milton Morris Jr.
She is survived by three sons, William J. McMurtrey Jr. of Troy, MO, Dr. Rick W. McMurtrey of Columbia MO, and Dennis McMurtrey of Belleville, IL; and five lovely granddaughters, Jeanine McMurtrey, Julie McMurtrey, and Jennifer McMurtrey all from Troy, MO, and Monique McMurtrey and Gabriella McMurtrey from the Belleville area.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, February 18, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.