Darlene Williams

Darlene Williams, 78, of Grand Tower, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. 

Darlene’s husband took her by the hand to the Riverboat in the sky.

She was born on Feb. 6, 1948 to Millard and Leneta (Cooper) Reed in East St. Louis, Ill. 

On Oct. 19, 1970, she married John Edward Williams and spent over 52 years together until his passing in 2023. John Williams, Sr. was a Riverboat Captain for several years after joining the army.

Darlene worked on a riverboat as a cook for over 10 years and then became a homemaker for her family.

Survivors include her children, John, Jr. (Alissa) Williams, Melinda (Wayne) Bridges, Samantha Johnson (Bill Harris), Joyce Rushing (Russell Clover), Charles Williams, Kayle (Rusty) Huffman, Elizabeth (Orville) Hobbs, and DJ Rushing; 18 grandchildren; 30 great- grandchildren; siblings, Ron Reed, Danny Reed, Mike Reed, Donna Norton, and Brenda Gale; along with nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Along with her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Bruce Reed and Terry Reed.

A Graveside Service was held on Wednesday, April 1 with Rev. Kenny Verble officiating at Walker Hill Cemetery in Grand Tower, Ill. 

The cremation of Darlene Williams will be personally handled by the staff of Crain Funeral Home. 

Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.