April 9, 2026, 83, Kinston – Lois Marie Tilghman Williams, 83, was welcomed into the presence of her Lord on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Marie was born in Lenoir County to the late William Woodrow Tilghman and Lois Elizabeth Heath Tilghman on January 19, 1943.
Working with First Citizens Bank until her retirement, Marie retired as a customer service representative after many years of faithfully serving her customers with care and hospitality.
Growing up in Hugo as the daughter of a farmer, Marie learned the value of hard work and love of the land. This was evident in the care she provided to her yard, as she enjoyed digging in the dirt and maintaining beautiful, immaculate, flower beds.
In her youth, Marie would travel up and down the path to her house on roller skates, where she first caught Herman’s eye. The two made a commitment to a wonderful marriage that saw them through over sixty-six years of a fulfilling life.
As a member of Tanglewood Church of God, she was faithful to her Lord through many of the ministries in the church. A member of the choir and the Vision Sunday School class, Marie also headed up the food service during the church’s annual production of The Victor for years on end.
Devoted to her family, Marie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed time shopping with her girls, where she would look at every piece of clothing on the rack before making her selections. Traveling with her family was always a highlight, especially when going to the coast or the mountains. With a love for nature, she enjoyed seeing the hummingbirds and lighthouses.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Tanglewood Church of God with Pastors Allen Stocks and Allen Ham officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
A graveside committal will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Marie is survived by her husband of over 66 years, Herman Williams; daughters, Sherry Williams and Stacy Deaver and husband Jeff; grandchildren, Kayla Powell and husband Eric and Blaire King and husband Austin; great-grandchildren, Parker, Dawson, Karlyn, and Kennedy; sisters, Mary Lou Johnson and Joyce Tilghman; brother, Billy Tilghman and wife Glenda; and sister-in-law, Dora Radford and husband Nathan.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to Tanglewood Church’s Meals and More Ministry, 2103 Rouse Road, Kinston, NC 28504.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
