Vera Jean (Stovall) Williams

Vera Jean Williams, lovingly known as “Big Mama” and “Poochie,” was born on February 24, 1961, in Eagle Lake, Texas, to the late Helen Hurd and Willie Stovall. At an early age, she accepted Christ and remained a devoted, faithful member of Olive Branch Baptist Church, where she served diligently throughout her life.

Jean was widely known and deeply respected among her family and community. She embodied strength, compassion, and unwavering love, serving as both a protector and a nurturing presence to everyone she encountered. She found immense joy in bringing people together, especially through cooking and hosting family gatherings. Supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was one of her greatest pleasures, and she took pride in attending their sporting events and celebrating their accomplishments.

On April 15, 2026, Mrs. Vera Jean Williams peacefully answered God’s call to eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Deacon Leslie Roy Williams; her daughter, Cotoya Annette Williams; her parents, Helen Ann Hurd and Willie Stovall; her brother, Karl Joseph Marshall; her sister, Debora Fryar; her nephew, Evander Marquise Stovall; and her cousin, Stephen Marshall.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughters, La Fredia Denise Simmons (Paul) of Columbus, Texas; Gloria Jean Williams of Columbus, Texas; and Roshett Rena Washington (James) of Columbus, Texas. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Zion “Poppa” Simmons, Ke’ Sean “Chop” Williams, Za’Kiya “Sissy,” Khaliyah “Gooba” Williams, Kyla “Nunu” Johnson, and Kyng “Kingdom” Washington; and three great-grandchildren: Kyren “Granny Pooh Pooh” Williams, Miy’Arii “Big Girl” Johnson, and Karter “Bright Eyes” Williams.

Vera Jean Williams also leaves behind a special friend, Douglas Taylor; four sisters, Jewel Mitchell of Brazoria, Texas; Pamela Johnson (Kenneth) of Eagle Lake, Texas; Princess Wilson (Sherman) of Glidden, Texas; and Casey Tilman of Weimar, Texas; and ten brothers, Robert Stovall Sr. of Columbus, Texas; Willie Stovall Jr. (Vanessa) of Columbus, Texas; Anthony Stovall of Eagle Lake, Texas; Douglas Stovall (Brenda) of Alleyton, Texas; John Stovall of Austin, Texas; Ralph Hurd of Glidden, Texas; James Hurd of Columbus, Texas; Joseph Middleton of Houston, Texas; Andre Stovall of Atlanta, Georgia; and Bryant Hurd of Columbus, Texas.

She will also be fondly remembered by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

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