Margaret Williams

Ivory Jean Turner was born on December 10, 1925, to Mabel Lee Turner and Eugene Ross in Kirksville, Kentucky. At six months old, she was brought to Cincinnati by Earl and Margaret Franklin who renamed her Margaret Franklin.

Margaret attended Cincinnati Public Schools and graduated from Old Woodward Business Unit at the age of 17. Immediately following graduation, she was hired by the U.S Civil Service Department during WWII, becoming the second Black female clerk typist in the U.S department. Margaret dedicated her life to serving others as a social worker for 26 years at the Hamilton County Welfare Department before her retirement. She tutored children at Kirby Road School for many years as well. Margaret earned the admiration and respect of many through her compassionate and dedicated work, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

During WWII, Margaret met Wilbert “Buddy” Williams, and they married on March 1, 1944. Buddy served as a Coast Guard merchant marine. To this union, was born three children: Wilbert, Victor, and Brenda (Edmondson). Wilbert and Brenda preceded her in death.

Margaret found joy in the simple pleasures of life – from shopping at Macy’s to traveling and exploring new destinations, her adventurous spirit knew no bounds. She was a proud fan of the Cincinnati Reds and enjoyed the thrill of a good baseball game. Known for her culinary skills, Margaret’s soul food creations, especially her delicious greens and bread pudding, were cherished by her family and friends.

Her warm personality and excellent ability to recall stories, well into her 90s, as well as her sense of humor, allowed her to connect with everyone she met. Margaret’s love for her family was unwavering, and she took great delight in gathering loved ones together and sharing cherished moments with them. Her passion for current events and politics sparked engaging conversations, reflecting her sharp intellect and curiosity about the world around her. Margaret always remembered all of her loved one’s birthdays and phone numbers much to her families’ amazement.

At age 10, Margaret was baptized at Old St. John A.M.E. Zion Church, located at Barr and Mound Street in the Old West End, under Reverend Black. In 1961, she joined St. John under Revered Dunn and was an active member of the church’s various organizations. A devout member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Elisha Chapter #89 for over 50 years, Margaret found solace and community in her fellowship. In her younger years, she enjoyed socializing with friends at social clubs and hosting gatherings, always bringing her signature style and grace to every occasion.

Margaret’s delightful tradition of enjoying McDonald’s fish sandwiches on Fridays, her love for dressing up in her finest attire for church, and her dedication to her community will forever be treasured by those who knew her.

Her memory will be cherished by her son Victor (Lavenia) Williams, her grandchildren, Andrea “Angie” (Eddie) Barnett, Kimberly “Kim” (Dion) Smith, Don Edmondson, Michael Williams, and Maria (Bobby) Phillips, David (Joanna) Edmondson and Ayrika (Matthew) Johnson. Additionally, she leaves behind seventeen great-grandchildren:  Michael Williams Jr., David Williams, Ahnyiah Bennett, Mykah Fields, Brigit Jordan, Braden Jordan, Jason Phillips, Justus Phillips, Antione Moore, Amber Williams, Aaliyah Smith, Lauren Smith, Sarah Triplett, Andrew Triplett, Ayrielle Johnson, Micayla Johnson, and Matthew Johnson, as well as ten great-great-grandchildren; son-in-law, William “Pep” Edmondson, daughter-in-law, Nancy Williams, special cousin, Audley Smith, Ph.D., and nieces, Deborah Ranford, Shauna Denise Sanders, and Verna B. Tinsley.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert J. Williams, parents, Eugene Ross and Mabel Fuller, son, Wilbert Williams, daughter, Brenda Edmondson, and grandson, David G. (Joana) Edmondson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024 from 9:30-10:00am at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Follow the BLUE Line). An Order of the Eastern Star service will take place at 10:00am and a funeral service will follow at 10:30am. Burial will take place at the Arlington Memorial Gardens, 2145 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 at 11:30am.

Memorial contributions in honor of Margaret can be made to the University of Cincinnati Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research at https://foundation.uc.edu/stories/givehope-bsi.

As we honor Margaret’s life and legacy, we remember her with fondness and gratitude for the light she brought into the world and the love she shared with all who knew her. May her spirit continue to shine brightly in our hearts as we celebrate the remarkable life of a truly remarkable woman.