Mary Alice (Gray) Williams was born in Clayton, Missouri, on March 24, 1928 to the union of Irene Jenkins and Ulysses Grant Gray, Sr. She was the oldest of three children, Ulysses Grant Gray, Jr. and Inez Hereford (deceased). Mary Alice confessed her faith in God at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Clayton, Missouri. She was a product of the Maplewood-Richmond Heights and St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS). She graduated from Vashon high school and started undergraduate studies at Stowe Teachers College. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. She continued her education in graduate and post graduate studies at Webster University, Central Missouri State at Warrensburg and the University of Missouri at Columbia. Mary Alice was united in marriage to the late Earl R. Baldwin, and of this union a daughter, Denise (Denny) was born. God blessed her later with a blissful union to Robert Williams, Jr. where they enjoyed a fulfilling marriage of over 28 years. She began her career of teaching in 1952 as an elementary teacher. During her career she also taught at the middle, junior high and high school levels but, developed the desire to teach the basics of Home Economics to middle school students, which she did for the next 20 years at Enright and Blewett. This led to the promotion to Curriculum Supervisor for the entire St. Louis Public School District. During this 10 year period, she was responsible for training teachers and implementing home economic principles. She was instrumental in the adoption of the "Character Education" program within SLPS. "Character Education" strove to teach that good moral values and ethical behavior was very important as a part of a students' vocational training. She retired in 1993, and over her 35 year tenure was highly regarded as being an excellent cook and an accomplished tailor who touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. After her retirement, she continued her art with textiles and developed expert quilting skills with many of her pieces appearing in juried competitions. Mary Alice was a devoted long standing member of the Antioch Baptist Church for over 50 years. She enjoyed the fellowship in Morning Star Bible class and through the years, served faithfully and tirelessly on numerous committees in various capacities including The Pastor's Aide Club, Ministering Women of W.M.U. and the Deaconate Ministry. She was a passionate member of a number of other organizations. This included St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she was a devoted Soror, privileged "Delta Dear", past Malkia (Queen Mother) of the Ariya Ball 2005 and a Golden Life Member. Mary Alice made a significant contribution to her sorority by completing a historic quilt illustrating its' founding members and the premise on which the sorority was founded, as well as its' local officer and committee structure. In addition, the quilt reflected the ground-breaking acquisition of Fortitude Foundations' meeting site on Washington Avenue. As a member of the National Association of University Women (NAUW), she served as a Past President (St. Louis Branch) and served on numerous other national/sectional/local offices and positions. She was an active member of St. Louis Chapter of the Lincoln University Alumni Association and, Circle in the Square Quilting Guild. She also found time to relax and have fun with the Las Senoras, a close circle of friends who gathered on a regular basis for almost 60 years. Mary Alice passed away peacefully in her home on January 11, 2012. She leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Robert Williams, Jr.; daughter, Denise Baldwin Casey (Daryl); brother Ulysses Grant Gray, Jr. (Everne); grandsons Eric, Cameron and Brennan; 2 nephews, Curtis Broughton, Jr. (Debra) and Ulysses Grant Gray III (Yvonne); 1 niece, Michelle Gray; and a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews, and friends. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Mary Williams. You are invited to add a Tribute in her memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences.