Mary E. Williams was born on July 16, 1929 in the city of St. Louis, Missouri. She was born to the union of Gordon and Mary Adams. Mary was raised by her grandmother, Annie Matthews. She grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois, attending school and graduating in the Class of 1947 from Lincoln Senior High School. She continued her education at Alabama State University, where she received her B.A. and Masters.

During her younger years, Mary pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Mary never had children of her own, but she loved children and followed a career of teaching in East St. Louis School District #189. She has impacted many young lives. She served as a coordinator of Social Studies during her tenure. Mary also taught at Harris Stowe. Her passion was Black History. She was known for the dynamic Black History programs that she would produce and direct every February.

If you knew Mary, you knew she loved her dogs and fish. When she was able to care for them, Mary had two huge aquariums in her home. Some of Mary's hobbies included fishing, needlepoint and arts and crafts.

In her later years, Mary started writing a book, which she was not able to complete, due to her declining health.

On Thursday, November 2, 2017, at 1:52pm, the Lord saw fit to send His angels down to escort Mary to her new home. She leaves to cherish her memory family members, close friends, Garbriell Gordon, Louise Boyd and Earnest Jordan, and other friends.