Lorraine Harkins Williams
Lorraine Harkins Williams
Lorraine Harkins Williams, 98, a nearly life-long resident of Malone, FL, died peacefully on Monday, March 15, 2026. She was born in Walhalla, SC on November 11, 1927, to Paul P. and Bertha Harkins. In 1934, she moved with her family to Greenwood, FL where she grew up. She graduated from Greenwood School and was employed at her first job as a bookkeeper at Bevis Pontiac / GMC in Malone.
In 1947, Lorraine married Johnny Williams of Malone. They worked together at their family business, “Williams Seed & Feed”, where she managed the financial aspects of the business as bookkeeper. Over the years, she trained numerous local young women on the skill of bookkeeping, while raising their five children, and caring for their aging parents. She went on to serve as bookkeeper for Malone Auto Parts for nearly 30 years.
Lorraine was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Malone. She joined the church in 1951, becoming the 98th member of the now 114-year-old church. She was devoted to her church and served in numerous capacities, including church treasurer for 17 years.
She found a deep sense of purpose in caring for her friends, church members, and neighbors when they were in need. She opened her home, her yard, and her kind heart to grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends of her children over the years, extending her inherent warmth to those around her.
Lorraine loved her home and tending to the plants and flowers in her yard. She had a lifelong love of the beach, built on treasured memories from childhood. She lived a life enriched by stories, remaining a devoted reader of fact and fiction until her final years.
Lorraine left a legacy of resilience, strength, and wisdom, building her life on the foundation of her abiding faith in God. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, authenticity, and remarkable ability to encounter life’s obstacles and fears, yet walk through them with grace, determination, and trust.
Lorraine Williams was preceded in death by her husband, John G. Williams, and is survived by her five devoted children, John Williams and wife, Judy of Dothan, AL, Steve Williams and wife, Becky of Amelia Island, FL, Lori Jordan and husband, Richie of Dothan, AL, Julie Stein and husband, Ben of Jacksonville, FL, and Amy Anderson and husband, Ian of Decatur, GA; 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; one sister, Julia Gilbert of Orlando FL, and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the members of First Baptist Church of Malone and Watermark Church for their unwavering support, prayers, love, and visits to their mother.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, March 21, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Malone with Pastor Steven Welch officiating. Graveside service will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with Pastor Ed Ham officiating and James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.
Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.jamesandsikes.com