Dorris Jean Payne Williams, a Loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the age of 87. Dorris was born February 1, 1930 in Blytheville, Arkansas, to William H. and Louella Tate Payne. Dorris grew up with six siblings, picking cotton on their farm and helping take care of her many nephews and nieces. Dorris graduated as salutatorian from Dell High School where she also played basketball. After graduation, she worked at a Blytheville bank for 13 years. Dorris and Clark met through her cousin, Jean Barnett Redenour. They were married October 7, 1961, in Blytheville. Dorris left her home, job, church and family in Arkansas, to marry a widower with two young children, Greg, age four and Diane, barely two. She loved them as her own. Soon after their marriage, Dorris learned to drive. Brent was born the following year. Dorris quickly became active in Powers United Methodist Church. Among her many church-related activities were United Methodist Women, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Perhaps, her most lasting contribution was her "children's sermon", given weekly for many years. She was active in Unity School PTA and a Lucky 4-H Club leader. Dorris helped Clark with the Metropolis Farm Toy Show for 25 years and with the church newsletter for several years. Dorris leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Clark Williams; sons, Greg Williams and wife, Darlene, of Bluffton, SC; Brent Williams and wife, Angela of Metropolis; daughter, Diane Grimes and husband, Jeff of Metropolis; grandchildren, Stephen Grimes of Metropolis, Emily Trout and husband, Jason of St. Charles, MO; and step grandchildren, Samantha May of Perryville, MO, and Alex May of Metropolis; two brothers, Russell Payne and wife, Helen, Johnny Payne and wife, Betty; three sisters-in-law, Loretta Payne all of Blytheville, AR, Ellen Ruth Bremer of Metropolis, Margaret Emerick and husband, Gene of Springfield, IL; and many sweet nieces and nephews. Dorris Jean was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Wayne Payne and Robert Payne; three sisters, Harriet Seiford and husband George, Virginia Duncan, and Wilma Payne; also in-laws, Virgil Bremer, Carol Hausman, Robert Hausman, Pat Payne and Ruth Payne. Dorris battled Alzheimer's and spoke often of her desire to "Go Home and see her Mom and Dad." Now she has. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Massac County Lady Patriots Basketball Team, 2841 Old Marion Road, Metropolis, IL 62960. Along with Clark, Dorris enjoyed attending many games over the years and following the team. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home in Metropolis with Rev. Alan Milligan officiating. Burial will follow in IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home. The Family is very appreciative of the compassionate care of Dr. Randy Oliver, doctors and nurses Massac Memorial Hospital, Baptist Health Paducah, and Lourdes hospital; the staff at Metropolis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, caregiver Jamie Fowler and staff; Curly McAtee; our extended Williams/Payne families and the Powers Church family these past few years. Condolences can be left online at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.

Cemetery Details