Delores was born on Sept. 16, 1917 in Woodburn, Iowa, to Ray and Hilma (Ecklund) Martin. Delores graduated from La Moille High School in 1935, then attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

She married the Rev. Ernest R. Williams in 1942. Delores was very involved with all the churches her late husband pastored, including service as Sunday school teacher, organist, pianist, and event coordinator. Cities in which these church fellowships were found included Le Roy, Minn., Minonk, Ill., Marquette, Mich. (1954-1959), Norway, Mich., Baraboo (First Baptist Church, now Walnut Hill Bible Church, 1961-1966), and Lake Geneva (1966-1971). After this, the Rev. and then, Mrs. Williams managed the "Christian Bookshop" in Annapolis, Md. (1971-1973). Ernest preceded her in death in 1973. Later, Delores managed textbook orders at Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Ill.

Delores is survived by her children, Terry (Betty-Mae) Williams of Minnesota, Glenn (Carol) Williams of Wisconsin, Mark (Regina) Williams of Minnesota, Norman (Lynn) Williams of Florida, Lance (Laura) Williams of New Hampshire, Karen (Earle) Babcock of Ohio, and Arlen Williams of Wisconsin. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Sister, Norma Carlson of Michigan; and brother, Leonard (Norma) Martin of Illinois survive, as well. The Rev. and Mrs. Williams also served as foster parents and cared for Delores’ mother. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and many aunts and uncles.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at the First Baptist Church of La Moille, Ill., where their Rev. Jerry Graham will officiate. Interment will follow that afternoon, at Elm Lawn Memorial Park, Princeton, Ill. The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Norberg Memorial Home, Princeton, Ill. and one hour prior to the funeral service, at the church. All events are "open invitation."

In lieu of flowers, those concerned may donate to the memorial fund established for Delores (checks, payable to Arlen Williams, 1350 Terrytown Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913, with "Delores Williams Memorial" written in comments).