Mrs. Mary Ann (Williams) Balch of Diaz, Arkansas, departed this life on December 17, 2021, at the age of 95. She was born October 2, 1926, the daughter of Columbus Franklin Williams and Gracie Mae (Stuart) Williams.
Miss Mary Ann Williams married Mr. G. L. Balch at Diaz Baptist Church on March 24, 1944, and together they enjoyed 60 wonderful years of marriage. Mrs. Balch was a faithful former Charter Member of Diaz Baptist Church, where she served as a Teacher in various departments, Organist/Pianist, Quartet Member, and Church Secretary for many years. She was a current faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church where she loved her Ladies’ Classes and was a member of W.O.M. (Women on Mission) and the IBC Quartet.
She worked outside the home for many years and retired from American Lantern having reached retirement age.
She loved God, first and foremost; her family and her friends. Many people have been blessed over the years by having received one of her beautiful crocheted afghans or delicious chocolate cakes. She also faithfully mailed out cards to many friends and church family members over the years. She had a generous spirit and required very little for herself.
She was an avid baseball fan and especially loved watching her children and grandchildren play ball, along with her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. She was a voracious reader, loved games, jigsaw puzzles, and listening to gospel music. She especially loved time spent with her family and for many years prepared a delicious Sunday Dinner where they’d gather and catch up on their week.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, G. L. Balch; her son, Gerald “Jerry” Balch; her sister, Lois Lanelle Williams Woodard; and her brother, Beryl Franklin Williams.
She is survived by her loving and devoted son, Jimmy Don Balch and wife Teri; daughter-in-law, Sheri Balch; grandsons, Gerry Lee Balch (Micah), David Balch (Jenna), and Jeffrey Balch; great-grandchildren, Gunner Balch (Lauren), Ethan Balch, Ella Balch, and Lucy Balch; great-great-grandchildren, Grayson Balch and Elayna Balch; brother, Albert Lyndle “Pete” Williams; special nephew, Frank Woodard and wife Norma; and many other nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home, Sunday 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Gerry Lee Balch, David Balch, Jeffrey Balch, Gunner Balch, Ethan Balch, and Perry Mabry. Honorary pallbearers will be Nonnie Leigh Sunday School Class.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Funeral Home.
www.jacksonsfh.com