Mavis was married to Michael Imel on 20 January 1984. They met while they both worked at Scott Air Force Base. They shared many trips, projects, memories, and loving and teaching her children, grandchild, and a host of friends that were treated as relatives. The relationship was much more than a marriage. Mavis loved to supervise Michael while he was completing his projects “to ensure they were done right!” but the love they shared was undeniable and will continue through eternity. They started as friends, became married, and the friendship is still going 36 years later.
Mavis loved bingo, gardening, and most of all, taking care of people and her beloved animals. She never met an animal on the street that she did not love or take in to care for, truly a heart that exceeded the normal limits God granted to most others. She was a giving person, and never met a stranger and would do anything to make you comfortable in her home. Always had a joke to tell and was generally the life of any gathering. When you met her, you loved her from the first minute you met her.
She worked for many years in various positions, but her favorite position was grandmother. She was blessed with the ability to care for Jordan Williams since he was born. They developed A bond and friendship, that should have been a movie script. They were grandmother/grandson, best friends, and confidants. A relationship that God put together, and no human could ever tear apart.
As a mother she was her son’s first friend, and lifetime supporter. When he was married, she welcomed Kimberly into the family and treated her as though they were family from birth. She loved them unconditionally and guided them through a lifetime of tough and happy experience to ensure that they were accomplished with morals and dignity.
Mavis is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver George Whiting and Amy Lilian Whiting, nee Arch; her loving sister, Maureen Bull; her loving and devoting brother, Raymond Whiting; and a fulfilling lifetime of animals whom she adopted.
She is survived by her husband, Michael Imel; son, Stephen Williams; daughter-in-law, Kimberly (Smith) Williams; grandson, Jordan Williams; sister, Jean Newman; sister, Christine Rawlings; brother, Frank Whiting; brother, Michael Whiting; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
“Ta Ta for now, until we meet again”
In lieu of flowers, and in honor of her lifelong passion, donations can be made to Belleville Area Humane Society at www.bahspets.org . (Donate online Here, Donation in memory of someone you know). If you would like the family to know of your contribution please use Stephen Williams, 1512 West Belle, Swansea, IL 62226.Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Husband – Michael Imel Tribute
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the end of everyday’ s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men might strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, – I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! -and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Children – Stephen and Kimberly Tribute
Dear Lord, Thanks for my beautiful Mother
For the faith she lives everyday
For the fun, the joy, the companionship
For the love she gives away.
Thanks for the things she taught me
For the way she always cares
I hope she knows how often
She’s remembered in my prayers.
Grandson – Jordan Williams
Heaven gained a beautiful angel and soul.
I have shed more tears in the past days, than
I have in my lifetime. My heart feels as though
It has been broken into a million pieces.
You were more than a grandmother, you were my
Best friend and best role model on how to live life.
I will struggle some days more than others, but I ask you
Please continue to guide me and give me signs as I
continue on my path just as you did my first 25 years we
were together.
Words cannot describe the bond we have and the love we
share.
Lots of love and Ta Ta for now (TTFN) until we meet again.
Jordan Williams xoxo