Mary "Pat The Great" Patricia Williams

Mary's obituary

Mary “Pat-The-Great” Patricia Williams was born on January 5, 1946, to Sheila Marcentine Jackson and Bill Jones.

She loved her family unconditionally and held them close to her heart. Her passion was her family and instilling long-lasting support and commitment to one another. She was never one to sit still and was always willing to go on an adventure. Besides her family, her greatest adventures were positively impacting her city, state, and country, which she loved.

Her activism impacted local families and children throughout Chicago’s religious and Englewood community, but she is most known for her mentorships and political affiliations. Mary was an active participant in the Illinois “We Care” Rodel Model organization from 1989 through 1997. This is a community organization based in Chicago, IL, that focuses on providing mentorship and support to individuals in need. The organization aims to empower and inspire positive change in the lives of Chicago's inner-city youth. Mary received annual letters of gratitude and appreciation for her dedication to the “We Care” organization from James R. Thompson, Governor of the State of Illinois (1977-91); Jim Edgar, Governor of the State of Illinois (1991-99); Richard M. Daley, Mayor of the City of Chicago (1989-2011); Matt L. Rodriguez, Chicago Police Superintendent (1989-97); Paul Vallas, Chicago Public Schools CEO (1995-2001); and Ted D. Kimbrough, Illinois Superintendent of Schools (1990-93).

In 1996, Mary applied her strengths in support of the Democratic political party and its efforts to elect William Jefferson Clinton as the 42nd President of the United States of America. Mary’s hard work was rewarded with personalized letters of gratitude from members of the Democratic National Convention Committee, members of the Democratic political party, and an invitation to attend the inauguration of President William Jefferson Clinton and Vice President Albert Arnold Gore Jr. Mary remained active in politics throughout her life and made contributions to numerous candidates, including the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama II, and Vice President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.

When Pat was not mentoring or campaigning, she spent her free time becoming an author. In 2004, “A Motherless Child" was published and exists in its unedited version today. Her book details the struggles she faced as a young orphan, later stricken with a crippling illness that led to significant hearing loss. The book describes Pat’s unwavering faith in God and how that relationship helped her to live a joyful life despite unimaginable horrors.

Pat taught herself sign language and to read lips to combat her hearing loss. She learned to play chess and passed her skills onto anyone willing to learn. She always taught her students to “never play the board and always play your opponent”. That lesson was applied by many in the game of chess and life.

Pat-The-Great has completed her journey here with us and was welcomed through the gates of heaven on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the age of 79. She lived a joyful life as a sister to Sheila Dunnon, Larry Jackson (who preceded her in death), Betty Edwards, Phillip Jackson, Jennifer Winston, and Geraldine Gant.

She leaves behind four generations of greatness, beginning with her children, tethered to her by birth and soul: Yvette Vaughn, Judith (Bryan) Porter, Robert (Rachael) Williams, Lonnie (Nicole) Williams, and Lance (Victoria) Williams.

Grandchildren: Danika (Tim) Burnette, Shawnta Myhand, Paris Myhand, Sharday (Daniel) Drayton, Brian Nasir Porter, Brittani Porter, Julina (Dominique) Porter, Ferrin (Joi) Williams, Ryan Williams, Rashaud Williams, Leia Williams, Tyler Morgan, Dijonnae Morgan, Camiyah Williams, and Lance Williams Jr.

Great-Grandchildren: Dayvon Worthon, Josiah Kee, London McIntosh, Lavell McIntosh, Dontez Perry, Derick Magee Jr., Denim Magee, Harmony Perry (who preceded her in death), Ms. Paris Myhand, Jada Myhand, Elteryha Myhand, Asya Myhand, Rhalyn Myhand, Egypt Drayton, Elia Drayton, Daniel Drayton V, Marjani Ruff (who preceded her in death), Brooklyn Porter, Brian Porter Jr., Brian Dismukes, Jamel Brown, Ka'Mora Brown, Eli Karim.

Great-Great Grandchildren: Luxe McIntosh, and Zoe Myhand (who preceded her in death).