Mary Ann Williams

Mary Ann Williams, born September 13, 1962, to Dr. and Mrs. Bill George Williams of Waco, Texas peacefully passed away December 27, 2022 in Abilene, Texas. Mary Ann is survived by her mother, Shirley Williams, of Waco, TX, two older sisters, Sharron Williams Cutbirth of Waco and Susan Williams Miller of Ft. Worth, and their extended families.

Growing up in Waco as a Downs Syndrome individual, Mary Ann enjoyed a full life of education and relationships.  Many gifted Baylor University Special Education majors interned and taught at Kirk-Wilson school in Waco where Mary Ann was a student until age 21. Mary Ann enjoyed participating in school plays, musical productions and art projects at Kirk-Wilson School, where she learned to write in cursive and to read at an elementary level. Additionally, Doug Fitzjarrell, a former Olympic gymnast and Waco resident, donated his time and talent to Waco Special Olympics and personally trained Mary Ann on floor routines and balance beam. Participating in Special Olympics for many years and winning many medals was ahighlight of Mary Ann’s developmental life.  

Mary Ann moved to Abilene and became a resident of Kenmar Residential home at 3110 Buffalo Gap Road on May 2, 1995.Integrated into the close-knit community at Kenmar Residential Home for 26 years, Mary Ann enjoyed living with twelve female housemates and everything that a communal life entailed. Mary Ann’s family would like to thank Diane Jackson, Program Director of Kenmar Residential Services, who was a second mother to Mary Ann, and Judy Gibson, Direct Care Professional, who was like a favored Aunt to Mary Ann. Alexandra Roman with Mesa Springs Healthcare Center facilitated a caring transition to skilled nursing for the last two weeks when Mary Ann required additional care. Many excellent Abilene doctors took care of Mary Ann while she was an Abilene resident and Hendrick Hospice Care provided compassionate palliative care during Mary Ann’s last hours as she transitioned to “dance on Angels’ wings.”

Geanna and Sam Cutbirth of Abilene, sister and brother by marriage to Mary Ann, emotionally anchored and supported Mary Ann in many ways while Mary Ann lived in Abilene. Geanna was holding Mary Ann’s hand at bedside when Mary Ann gently crossed over, quietly naming every person who loved Mary Ann

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