Kathleen Williams

Obituary Kathleen Williams, the daughter of Robert Brahan and Mary Gray, was born on November 14, 1928, in Lula, Mississippi. Kathleen departed this life on March 7, 2018, at her home surrounded by love, prayers, and family. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Narvell Lee Williams, Sr., son Narvell Williams, Jr., a daughter, Gayle Williams, and a grandson, Charles E. Williams, Jr. Kathleen was raised in a large loving family, the eldest girl of ten children, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. At an early age, Kathleen accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a devoted Christian throughout her life until departure. In 1942, Kathleen met Narvell Lee Williams, a handsome Navy man, whom she married two years later on December 25, 1944. They were blessed with eight children through their union. Together, Kathleen and Narvell were steadfast entrepreneurs ahead of their time. They owned and operated several businesses in the Kansas and Missouri areas, including a Dry-Cleaning business, Midtown Shopper Newspaper and Central Eagle Bookstore. In 1962, they launched Midtown Printers. It became one of the most successful African-American owned businesses in Kansas City, Missouri. Upon Narvell’s untimely death in 1994, Kathleen continued to run the printing business, alongside her sons. Midtown Printers closed in 2005, after over forty years of service to the community. After retirement, Kathleen finally settled into a slower pace that allowed her to enjoy the lifestyle of a retiree. Kathleen found pure joy in spending time with her family, socializing with neighbors and friends, and being an active participant in her church. During her and Narvell’s forty-plus years as members of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, Kathleen’s Leadership positions included Trustee Board Member, Missionary, and an overall Generous Charitable Giver both financially and through countless acts of service. Kathleen regarded her fellow Ward Chapel members as part of her family. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Kathleen Norris Williams, all regarded her as a humble, Christian Servant of the Lord, a beautiful soul, both inside and out, with a quiet, yet tenacious spirit. Until Kathleen’s last breath, she lived with the greatest sense of dignity and esteem. Kathleen will be missed dearly by family and friends alike. Kathleen Williams leaves to cherish her memory are, two daughters, Gwendolyn Williams and Chee Chee Williams; four sons: Charles E. Williams, Sr. and his wife Debra, David L. Williams, John C. Williams, and Kimberly Hill, and Brian K. Williams; one brother, Morris Pat Gray and his wife Evelyn; seventeen grandchildren: Nichole, Courtney, Natalie, Samantha, Laura, Nicholas, Vanessa, Natavia, Norris, Audrey, Donn, Kelley, Kathleen, Brian, Jessica, Grey and Spencer; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of friends. Funeral Service for Kathleen Williams will be held, Tuesday, March 13, 11:00 a.m. at Ward Chapel AME Church, 2126 Prospect Ave. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Interment, Wednesday, March 14, 11:.00 a.m., Leavenworth National Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen Williams, please visit our floral store. Read More

Kathleen Williams

November 14, 1928 - March 7, 2018