Maria Elisabeth Emma Karbstein Williams, 89, formerly of McGehee, Arkansas passed away Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born on April 23, 1927 in Breslau, Germany to Erich and Wanda (Woiteck) Karbstein.
Maria grew up in Breslau, Germany where she received a degree in chemistry. She was a professional ballerina before moving to the United States. She worked as an interpreter for the U.S. military during World War II.
Maria owned Williams School of Dance in McGehee, Arkansas from 1958-1974. Following the close of the dance studio, Maria worked for Delta Counseling in McGehee until her retirement in 1988.
Maria was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of McGehee. After moving to Pottsville, Arkansas, she became a member of Pottsville First Baptist Church.
While employed by the U.S. military, Maria met the love of her life, Sidney Clayborn Williams, while he was serving in the U.S. Army. They married October 29, 1947 in Dumas. They were happily married for 49 years until Sidney’s death, March 23, 1997.
Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Sidney; her parents, Wanda and Erich Karbstein of Germany; two sisters, Hildagard Williams of Dumas and Christa Reichelt of New York; and one grandson, Neal Miles of McGehee.
Maria is survived by four children; Sidney (Ann) Williams, Jr. of Dallas, Texas; Michael (Linda) Williams of Seabrook, Texas; Frank (Brenda) Williams of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Wanda Miles of North Little Rock, Arkansas. She is also survived by one brother, Dr. Bernhard Karbstein and one sister, Renate Orlamunde, both of Germany. In addition, Maria is survived by nine adoring grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 21, at the First United Methodist Church in McGehee, Arkansas with funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Jim Huffman of Pottsville First Baptist Church and Pastor Reginald Russell of McGehee First United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will follow at Walnut Lake Cemetery. Arrangements will be provided by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service.
Serving as pallbearers for the service are Clay Williams, Eddy Williams, Erich Eastman, Colton Van Trease, Michael Williams, Josh Williams, Christian Kaufman and Gary Miles.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the McGehee Veterans’ Memorial, c/o John Foster, 2709 Chickasaw Road, McGehee, AR 71654 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 301 Markham Center, Little Rock, AR 72205 in Maria’s name.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to the McGehee First United Methodist Church for their hospitality and to all the caregivers who helped provide care for Maria throughout her lengthy illness.
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