Leona “Lee” Marie Williams, 92, passed away on Friday morning, November 24, 2023. Lee had been a longtime resident of the Alger area since the early 1970s.
Lee was born Leona Marie Verhegge in Chesaning, Michigan on January 9, 1931. During her young life, she worked at some of the movie theaters in Flint. As a teenager, she liked to go dancing at the Flint IMA.
Lee began dating the love of her life Eugene Williams in 1951 and were married until his death in 1997. Lee travelled with Gene while he was in both the Navy and the Coast Guard. They lived in Hawaii, Alaska, North Carolina, Indiana and two stations in Michigan before settling in Alger. Lee particularly loved Hawaii and made many friends there.
Lee worked for Forward’s in Alger for a while but decided she was happiest taking care of her beloved home and yard. She was still mowing her grass at the age of 91.
Gene and Lee were very involved at St. John’s Lutheran Church in West Branch and more recently at New Beginnings Lutheran Church.
Lee is survived by her sister Barbara Ruff, son Troy and many nieces and nephews. Lee always felt so blessed to have many caring neighbors who were always looking out for her.
Lee was proceeded in death by her husband Gene, her parents Miel and Pauline (Thiel) Verhegge, sister Maxine Mayer, brothers Ronald and Leon Verhegge, grandson Christian and most recently niece Debbie Nowosielski.
Lee will always be remembered by those who knew her as the classiest, kindest lady they would ever meet. Lee started out every day dressed as if she were going to church and received many compliments about her style.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at the New Beginnings Lutheran Church on M-33, West Branch with Pastor Daniel Jansen presiding. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 p.m. with the service to begin at 2. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Beginnings Lutheran Church or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
