Mary Joann Pope Williams, 91, of Dalton, Georgia, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026.

Born April 2, 1935, at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta, Joann was the daughter of Ralph Jackson Pope and Ocie Rich Pope. She grew up in Gainesville, Georgia, attended Emory University, and later earned her degree from Dalton Junior College. She and her husband, William Roger Williams, moved their family to Dalton in 1963.

Joann worked in Medical Records at Hamilton Medical Center and devoted much of her life to serving others and her community. Her volunteer involvement included St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where she served on the Vestry and Altar Guild; St. Mark’s Church Kindergarten; Dalton Public Library Board; Four Seasons Garden Club; Salvation Army Food Bank; Meals on Wheels; Family Promise; The Friendship House; DEO Clinic; Cheerhaven, now Cross Plains Community Partner; Quilting for Others; Women’s Leadership Council; and Family Support Council. She also served as a foster parent to three children. In recognition of her extraordinary commitment to others, she received the 2011 Jean Harris Award for Volunteer of the Year.

Known as “Oma” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Joann was genuine, grounded, strong and quietly generous. She loved spending time with family and friends, gardening, cooking, canning, sewing and quilting. Above all, she believed in kindness, service to others and making the most of every day. She leaves her family a legacy of faith, strength, common sense and an enduring example of a life well lived.

Joann was preceded in death by her husband, William Roger Williams; her parents, Ralph Jackson Pope and Ocie Rich Pope; and her brother, Richard Jackson Pope.

She is survived by her four children, Mike Williams of Gainesville, Georgia; Kathy Williams of Nova Scotia, Canada; William Williams and Allyson Williams, both of Dalton; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way.

A memorial service celebrating Joann’s life will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Emery Street, Dalton, Georgia, with Father Rick Tiff officiating. There will be no visitation or reception. The family will hold a private interment at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Family Support Council, or the Humane Society of Northwest Georgia.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia 30721, (706) 226-4002.

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