Irene Elizabeth Williams

Irene Elizabeth (Barclay) Williams, age 79, of Alexander, went home to be with Jesus on December 3, 2023. She passed away peacefully at home with her loved ones in attendance.

Irene was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 3, 1944, to the late Ed and Eula Barclay of Alexander. She was the youngest of ten siblings. On March 3, 1961, she was married to Bobby Ross Williams and soon began a life full of travel and adventure as an Army wife. They lived in many places in the US and in Germany where they raised their sons, Tony and Eddie. Irene and Bobby resided in Alexander after Bobby’s retirement from the Army in 1980. She retired from Arkla.

Irene loved the Lord, she loved her church, New Life Baptist Church of Alexander, and she loved her family with all of her exuberant heart. When her four granddaughters came along she poured much of her energy and joy into them, instilling in them her love of travel and adventure.

She was loved by many friends who shared her hobbies, including boating, motorcycling, sewing, quilting,  embroidery, and especially watching her beloved Razorbacks. She loved her special JHFT group of friends and never tired of explaining those initials embroidered on their shirts meant Just Having Fun Together! She was active in her church’s small groups, greeting card ministry, bible school, and many other ministries and volunteer positions. She loved and was loved by many extended family members, whether by birth or by informal adoption into her circle of care. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her sweet spirit and encouraging words.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Bobby Williams of Alexander; son, Tony Williams (Chrysti) of Benton; son, Eddie Williams of Boscawen, New Hampshire; grandchildren, Tyler (Brad) Fugere of Little Rock, Sarah Williams of Fayetteville, Kaylee Williams of North Little Rock, and Rachel Williams of Fayetteville; one sister, Shirley McGhee of Arizona; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended and adopted family who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, William Barclay, Arthur Barclay, and Johnny Barclay and sisters, Helen Green, Joyce Brotherton, Ruby Rayburn, Gladys Smith, and Lorene Barclay.

Visitation for Irene will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 North Market Street, followed by funeral services will be held at 11:00 am. There will be a graveside service at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 N, Alexander at 1:00 PM.

The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice for their excellent care for Irene in her final days, as well as her church family who have provided invaluable help and support.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Benton Funeral Home.