Dorothy Jeanne Williams

After a beautiful, heart-filled life, Dorothy Jeanne Williams, 93, passed away November 27, 2017. "Dottie" was born and lived in Kansas City all of her life. She graduated from Blessed Sacrament Grade School and enjoyed their ongoing reunions. After graduating from Central High School, she attended Huffs Business College and worked at Hallmark, the Civil Aeronautics Administration and the Department of Commerce. She shared her love of dance as the Dance Director in the School of Fine Arts at the Jewish Community Center for 15 years and ended her work career as the legal secretary/office manager for the firm of Sullivan & Williams for 17 years.
Dorothy Jeanne was truly born to perform. From the age of four, she sang on the radio and was a child model. She sang and danced at the Mainstreet, Midland, Shubert, Isis, Plaza and Uptown Theaters. At 16, she was selected by Bob Hope as Queen of the Wentworth Military Academy Ball. Her most memorable stage appearance was a USO performance the night she met navy pilot Lt. Sr. Gr. O.B. Williams. So smitten by the "little one on the end" on stage, O.B. asked her for a date in front of her entire family. They married in 1946 and were so blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Their love was apparent in all they accomplished and immortalized in the love song Dottie wrote while they were dating and would still sing and play at the family piano.
Dottie was active in the Ladies of Charity and a proud member of St. Elizabeth Parish since 1953. She was a Chief Den Mother over 14 dens in Cub Scout Pack 150, an officer in the PTA, a church usher and a member of the Friendship Club. She played bridge for over half a century with parishioners and continued playing cards at Villa Ventura where she met some new, dear friends. Dottie never stopped performing with and for family and instilled an eternal love of music in them all. Dancing Dottie only needed a few notes of Rag Time Cowboy Joe to launch into an entire performance and could summon a kick line to New York, New York in a heartbeat, no matter the crowd. Dottie "Sugar Baby" and her sister, Sugie "Gorgeous" were quite the dynamic duo in song and dance. Some favorite memories are of Taco Tuesdays, singing around the piano, the choreographed Easter Parades, the heirloom bassinet, family cruises, her ragtime piano playing, spontaneous singing and her time step, holiday gatherings with exquisite settings at the big table, the family rendition of the 12 days of Christmas, Boston Terriers, dance classes and shows, Starlight Theater, Puerto Vallarta, Chiefs and Royals attire to watch the games and her eternal ability to gather the family together.
Dorothy Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents Mary Helen Dean Fowler and William Otto Fowler, her husband O.B. Williams, her sons John B. Williams and William Randall Williams and nephews Ricky and Jimmy Heilman. She is survived by her daughters Mary Jeanne Byrd (Mike) and Darlene Piane; sister Shirley "Sugie" Heilman (Roy); daughter-in-law Molly Williams, grandchildren Linda Taylor (David), Natalie Williams, Austin Williams, Melissa Stephens (Matt), Michelle Williams; Rob Byrd (Erin), Jeff Byrd (Megan), Kenny Byrd (Kelly) and Cindy Brennan (Matt); Lucian Piane, Denise Troy (Nick), Karen Piane; 15 great grandchildren including adult Abby Byrd, nieces and nephews Billy Heilman (Shelly), Jeannie Richardson (Jim), Tommy Heilman (Maggie), Jan Fawcett Heilman and many great nieces and nephews.
The Rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2017 at St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, 2 E 75th St. KCMO 64114 followed by a visitation. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. All friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon downstairs in Seton Hall immediately following the mass. After lunch, graveside services will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Elizabeth Church.





All friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following Mass in Seton Hall. Graveside services will be held after the luncheon. SERVICES Rosary
Saturday, December 2, 2017 10:00 AM
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church 2 E 75th Street Kansas City, Missouri 64114
Visitation
Saturday, December 2, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church 2 E 75th Street Kansas City, Missouri 64114
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, December 2, 2017 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church 2 E 75th Street Kansas City, Missouri 64114

All friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following Mass in Seton Hall. Graveside services will be held after the luncheon.