Minnie Bess Williams

Minnie Bess Williams, age 106 of Paris, TN, died Sunday, June 27, 2021, at Morningside of Paris.

She grew up in the Sulphur Well area of Henry County and attended Antioch and Buchanan schools.  She lived through the days of the Great Depression and was a member of what has been called “America’s greatest generation.”  Minnie Bess was a longtime member of Point Pleasant Baptist Church in Buchanan, TN, where she was baptized in 1933.  She had a 44-year career, finishing as a supervisor, at Salant & Salant from 1936-1980 where she worked until its closing.  She also ran Eagle Gift Shop with her husband from 1954-1980.  Minnie Bess enjoyed playing bridge and held the designation of “Gold Life Master.”  She also volunteered at Henry County Medical Center for 20 years.

Minnie Bess was born November 13, 1914, in the Sulphur Well area of Henry County, TN, to the late James Richard Cowan and the late Mary Davidson Cowan.

She was married August 23, 1932, to Noble Williams, who preceded her in death on June 8, 1983.

She is survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by four sisters, Wylmath “Willie” Weeks, Frances Williams, Velma Yates, and Louise Buckingham; four brothers, David Cowan, Thomas Cowan, Robert Cowan, and Alex Cowan; and one half-brother, John Cowan.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Visitation will be Wednesday, June 30, 2021, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Larry Dukes officiating.

Family will serve as pallbearers.

Entombment will be in Rose Lawn Mausoleum in Paris, TN.

Memorials may be made to Point Pleasant Baptist Church, 13700 Highway 79, Buchanan, TN 38222.