Mario Vernell Williams, Sr.

Mario Vernell Williams, Sr., 46 of Chattanooga, Tenn., died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. Born Feb. 16, 1978, at the age of 12, he moved to Osceola, Ark., to live with his other mother, two sisters and brother. He attended the Osceola and Blytheville School systems. He was baptized and a member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Luxora, Ark. under the leadership of Rev. Johnny Williams. He was a very loving and devoted companion and father to his seven children. He was a passionate sports enthusiast, an avid cook who loved grilling, and someone who enjoyed walking nature trails and playing video games. His infectious humor and ability to make people laugh will be remembered by all who knew him. He was a diehard fan of the Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Lions, proudly supporting his favorite teams through the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry V. Williams, Sr. and Doris Harris; one sister, Sunshine Williams; one brother, Jerry V. Williams, Jr; his paternal grandparents, N. T. and Rachel Thompson; his maternal grandparents, Walter and Dorothy Harris; and his bonus grandparents, Arthur and Erive Bledsoe.

He is survived by his partner of 27 years, Amber Gustafon, of Chattanooga; four sons, Mario, Jr., Mason, Malaki and Quincy; three daughters, Makayla, Mariae and Maranda Williams; two brothers, Spencer Adams (Stacey), of  Snellville, Ga., and Jamaron Bingham, of Osceola; two sisters, Felicia Byrd (Tony), of Luxora, Ark., and Kenya Sanders (Tony), of Osceola; four aunts, Victoria and Linda Harris and Tina McKinney, all of Saginaw, Mich., and Mary Ann Cook, of Osceola; six uncles, Curlee Gray (Terri), of Detroit, Mich., Deon Harris (Kwanna), of South Bend, Ind., George Williams (Augusta), Rickey Thompson (Vernita), Randy Thompson (Angela) and Naith Thompson (Sandra); and two grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, schoolmates and friends.

A memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Osceola Senior Citizens Building.