May Ruth Williams

SFC May Ruth Williams (ret), 73, of Fort Smith, died Sunday, July 3, 2016 in a local hospital. She was born November 11, 1942 to the late Phillip and Gladys Wimbush.

She was a member of Quinn Chapel AME Church where she was a choir member, Trustee, member and Secretary of Stewardess Board #2, Sunday School teacher, and Asst Supt of Church School; member and secretary of Anna T. Strickland Federated Women's Club; 1960 graduate of Lincoln High School; secretary of Lincoln Alumni Association; retired veteran of the US Army Reserves after 20 years, dining facility manager for 19 years, and retiring May 20, 1995 ; First Black Woman to be hired by the Fort Smith Police Department on July 2, 1973 as a meter enforcement officer; senior identification clerk for the Fort Smith Police Department where she retired on September 7, 2007.

Funeral will be Friday, July 8th, 10:30 a.m. at the Mission United Methodist Church with burial with full military honors at Fort Smith National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Odis Pilgrim, Sr., Ralph Norwood, Calvin Thomas, Michael Washington, Wyatt Flake, and Michael Hinkle.

She is survived by a daughter, Terri Hardin of Fort Smith; four nieces: Cassandra Sneed, Shelia Harris, Toni Reed (Wilbur), and Joann Sneed; two great nephews, Stephen Brewer and Walter Harris III (Kenyatta); seven great, great nieces and nephews; one great, great, great nephew and niece; a special friend, Leverne West.

Viewing will be Thursday, July 7th, 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive visitors and friends Thursday, 5:00p.m.-7:00 p.m. at 1825 North 33rd Street, Fort Smith.