Gladys "Jean" McWilliams

JEAN MARSHALL McWILLIAMS - 93

RHODESDALE – Gladys Jean McWilliams passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023 at her home with her family at her bedside.

Born May 26, 1930 at home in Lloyds, Dorchester County she was the daughter of Brice and Gladys Spedden Marshall. She was a devoted member of Beckwith United Methodist Church and later, Grace United Methodist Church.

Jean grew up on a farm near Bar Neck with her parents and siblings during the Great Depression. She learned her work ethic and strong family values from her parents, along with her sisters, Eleanor and Mary Lee. Jean, Eleanor, Mary Lee were best friends for life.

Her early elementary education began at Hudson School and she graduated from Cambridge High School in 1948.

She married Warren McWilliams March 1972. Together they established and operated Mac Farms Inc. They previously owned Shiloh Grain Company and McWilliams Cannery Inc. They were always seen together and enjoyed over 41 years of marriage. Warren died December 2013 and Jean along with her grandson, Hunter continued to operate Mac Farms. She loved her desk and book-work and you would always find her in the office. Every morning she was seen in the pickup with Hunter checking on the farms.  When the great grandchildren came along, she would ride with them as they were dropped off to school, always getting a back rub from Mom-Mom before they left the pickup. For the past ten years since her husband's death, she would ride with Hunter in the planter and combine for several hours when planting and harvesting.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna Robbins Era, Deborah Robbins Wessells, grandson, William Hunter Wessells and wife Kasey, her three precious great-grandchildren, Jovie Grace, Quinn Rose, and Callan Craig Wessells who knew her as Mom-Mom next door; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding her in death besides her parents, her sisters and brother-in-laws and her husband, are son-in-laws Dr. W. Craig Wessells and Joseph G. “Jody” Era, III.

A funeral service will be held for Jean on Monday, November 20, 2023 beginning at 12 p.m. at Grace Methodist Church, 501 Race Street, Cambridge, Maryland.

Officiating will be Rev Chris Petitt and Rev Jay Hurley. Visitation for family and friends will begin an hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at the church and then private entombment will be held at Dorchester Memorial Park.

Her last year was made more comfortable with love, dedication and devotion from Star Angels Home Care and Kathy Dickerson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Lifetime Wells International, 24321 Shore Highway, Denton, Maryland 21629, or any charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A. Cambridge.