Geneva Hegwood-Williams was born on June 24, 1926 in Gould, Arkansas to the late Mr. Samuel D. and Mrs. Plummie Handley-Hegwood. She was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Williams, Sr., three grandchildren: Demetrius S. Williams, Joshua L. Williams and LaWanda M. Teagues. Eight brothers and sisters: Felma Hegwood-Jasper, Naomi Hegwood-Nichols, Odester Hegwood-Wainwright, Burnell Hegwood-Moten, Clifton Hegwood, Iona Hegwood-Ware, ElRoy Hegwood, and Leamon Hegwood. Geneva received her formal education in the public schools of Gould, Arkansas. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Savior. She married Ernest Williams, Sr. in 1946 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and relocated to Kansas City. This union was blessed to raise eleven children. Geneva continued her Christian journey and growth as a member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, by uniting with that body of believers on February 14, 1961, under the leadership of Rev. Sinclair Sanders Thompson. Her faithful service would continue under the new Pastor; Phillip A. Layne and ending her fifty-five year service as: Mother Williams, Usher for the Senior Usher Board and Trainer, Sunday-School teacher, past president of the Mission Society and the Mother's Board and her tenure included bookkeeping for church financial records. Geneva loved to sing, and treasured her daily Bible reading. Her journey afforded the experience of witnessing so much progress in society and life. She never missed an opportunity to participate in the right and privilege to vote. She lived to see the first African American Mayor elected in Kansas City, and both times she cast her vote for the first African American President, Barrack Obama with delight and a glowing pride. Geneva was a woman who wore numerous hats. Foremost, she was a great mother, caring passionately for her family. She always kept a working Singer sewing machine in the house to sew and mend. Her close friend, Flora Smart shared her talents, and assisted whenever needed. Together with her husband they strived to shape this family with inner qualities of love, respect for people, honesty and friendship. She loved style and class in all she did, and left that legacy for all to follow. Geneva, after years of being home caring for her family, set out to make a career. In 1969, she was employed by the University of Missouri Extension Center as a Nutrition Specialist. She received her certification as a Master Teacher in Food Preservation. She taught families throughout the greater Kansas City area how to use practical knowledge in saving money on grocery shopping, nutritious dinner preparation and eating healthy portions. After 19 rewarding years of service, she retired. Humor was another hat she wore with dignity. Her quick-wit and innate ability to dish out timely light-hearted jokes would leave you in stitches. One could glean many life's lessons from her unique style of passing wisdom through humor. These are memories the family will have to bring comfort for a life-time. Geneva loved the Lord and in her weakest times she humbled herself by kneeling when she prayed at night. She trusted the Lord and knew the strength He would give her as she sought His power for her life. She possessed an insightful awareness of the graces of God, and reminded herself to go to the Lord for His peace in her storms. Her calmness, no matter what she faced lives on in the hearts of her family and friends. Peace Be Still 'That's How She Lived' Geneva retired from her most honorable position, Matriarch of the Williams Family, when she answered the Master's call peacefully on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at her home in Kansas City, Missouri. Our hearts are saddened, but we are so grateful that God chose Geneva Hegwood-Williams to be our mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory: Sons: Ernest Williams, Jr. (Yvonne) of Fontana, CA, Earl C. Williams (Kathryn) of San Diego, Charles E. Williams, Sr., (Doilnella) of Lee's Summit, MO Vincent C. Williams, Sr. (Sallie) Centreville, VA, ElRoy A. Williams (Deborah) and Todd H. Williams (Lisa) of Lee's Summit, MO; Adopted son Kenneth Leonard of Ojai, CA; Daughters: Shirley J. Britt-Freeman of Blue Springs, MO Deborah A. Hall (Johnny), Leola R. Williams, Sheila A. Scott and Katherine L. Williams of Kansas City, MO; Sisters-in-law: Beatrice Williams-Taylor, Carson CA, Virty Pettigrew, Cerritos, CA and Sandra Jo Williams-Watkins (Wesley) of Palos Verdes, CA. She is 'Granny' to 50 grandchildren, 79 great grandchildren and 27 great-great grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins, along with some special women in her life with whom she shared many wonderful stories and who served her well over the years: Clementine Scott (cousin), Erma Moore, Deirdre Hamilton-McCoy, and Ruth Woods; her close church friends sent by God: Deacon Ray and Mother Mildred McCallop. Funeral services will be Friday, November 11, 11:00 a.m. at Concord Fortress of Hope. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.