25 Aug 2016 Morrilton honors community servant Mollie Williams

by Edie Harris

The Morrilton community recently honored Mollie Williams for her contributions.

During the morning worship service on May 15, First Presbyterian Church honored Mollie for her many contributions to both her church and community. A longtime Morrilton resident, Mollie recently moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., to be close to her daughter and son-in-law, Becca and David, and her grandchildren, Brynn and Ava. Those who know Mollie, and their numbers are many, were sad to see her depart, but they also appreciate that an exciting, new phase of her life is just beginning.  

Following the service, there was a reception for Mollie in the fellowship hall.  

Throughout the afternoon, the doors of the fellowship hall were seldom stilled. Friends of Mollie’s and others whose lives she had touched over the years entered and made their way to her side to reminisce and wish her luck; she had truly been an inspiration to many.   

During the course of the celebration, Mollie received several well-deserved awards. Morrilton Mayor Allen Lipsmeyer made a speech in which Mollie’s many contributions were enumerated. He also proclaimed Sunday, May 15, as “Mollie Williams Day” in Morrilton.  

Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart also proclaimed Sunday, May 15, as “Mollie Williams Day” in the county, a fitting tribute as her good works are boundless and unconstrained by Morrilton city limits signs.

There were two more awards presented to Mollie; these were perhaps even more meaningful to her because they were faith-related, realized from her devotion to her church. The first was a special recognition award from Conway County Church Women United, a national ecumenical movement of Christian women, for Mollie’s “unwavering, dedicated service to church and community.” The second award was a certificate from the women of the First Presbyterian Church in Morrilton, presenting Mollie with an “honorary life membership” in Presbyterian Women.

The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church has lost a treasured member of their family, and the people have lost a most passionate and selfless humanitarian. Perhaps the situation could best be summed up by the congregation’s responsive reading recited aloud to Mollie during that morning’s church service:  

“You have deepened our joy and lightened our sorrow. We will miss your love and support, yet we rejoice that you will now bless others as you have blessed us.”