Esther Faye Williams, 81, of Mexico, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Boone Hospital in Columbia.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Arnold Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Laddonia Cemetery.  Rev. Randy Jones will be officiating the service.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until time of service on Saturday, January 3, at Arnold Funeral Home.

Esther was born on April 23, 1944 in Hannibal, the daughter of Bert and Bertha (Hartman) Whitaker.  On March 29, 1963 she married Jack Williams in Mexico, who preceded her in death.

Esther found great joy in serving others, especially through her visits with residents at local nursing homes. She loved spending time "thrifting" at the local help center and was actively involved in many activities at Lockewood Park Baptist Church. Above all else, Esther's greatest joy and highest priority was time spent with her family—her son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She also held a special place in her heart for her beloved great-grand dog, Remi.

Survivors include one son, Doug (Joyce) Williams of Mexico; four grandchildren, Hillary Williams of Mexico, Haley Wiggans (Daniel Wiggans) of Atlanta, MO, Jason Gifford (Rhianna) of Columbia and Ashley Gifford (Joey) of Columbia; six great-grandchildren, Nathan Smith, Britni Gifford, Raynah Gifford, Frank Gifford, Paul McGuire, Jimmey Brewer and baby Wiggans (due in May); eight great-great grandchildren, Kami, Mayla, Kolton, Madelynn, Elizabeth, Cole, Chloe and Zayden; four siblings, David Whittaker, Becky Scroggins, Eva Trower and Ruth Markley

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Bertha Whitaker; twelve siblings, Virginia, Charles, Frances, Hertha, Jim, Louis, Clare, Mary, Samuel, Jane, Paul and John.

The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Memorials may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.