Dedra “Dede” Usrey Williams

   Williams

Dedra “Dede” Usrey Williams, aged 64, was born in Berryville, Arkansas to Melvin and Virgina Usrey on November 14, 1960. She passed away on February 4, 2025.

She enjoyed her childhood summers spent with family in the Ozarks. Together with her parents, siblings and many cousins, aunts, and uncles, she explored the Mountain, swam the Osage, and enjoyed her days at Lake Return.

Dedra was married to Gerald Williams in a thunder snowstorm on March 1, 1980. She was proud of being a mother and deeply cared for her family. She was a storyteller and artist that loved to create with the simple intention of brightening someone’s day. She was proud of her education with a degree in Creative Writing and read as many books as she could, always seeking more knowledge and perspectives.

She was a best friend to many people with a generous heart. She wanted the best for everyone, and she was the happiest when she could help another. What a blessing Dede was to so many.

Dedra is survived by her husband, Gerald Williams, and three children, Marisa, Chelsea and Stevin Williams, and one granddaughter, Fern Williams. She is also survived by her two siblings, Marcie Grim and Kip Usrey; aunts and uncles, Levi Phillips, Dixie Spicer, and T. Fern Smith; nieces and nephews, and too many friends to list.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Melvin Usrey and Virgina (Phillips) Usrey; and her daughter, Hannah Williams. She is also preceded in death by her grandparents, Claud Phillips and Alma Lee (Elmore) Phillips and Willie Usrey and Lillian (Smith) Usrey and uncles, Dwane, Lonnie, and Gary Usrey.”

Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at High Cemetery. Memorial fund: Instead of flowers please make a donation to the Carroll County Library. Proceeds are intended to be used to buy educational children’s books and programs to raise child literacy. As a HIPPY (Home Instructional Program for Preschool Youngsters) Instructor, Dedra was passionate about childhood education. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com.