Coral Louise Williams

Coral-Louise Williams, a few days shy of 89, died at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, November 29, 2017. The cause was respiratory failure. Born on December 31, 1928, in Dallas, Oregon, she lived in large cities and small towns all over the United States, and traveled around the world searching for family and her family history. As for work, she is most noted for starting her own business, "Bookkeeping By Coral" at an age when most folks are dreaming of retirement. She had previously held jobs as a copy writer for a major newspaper, wrote her own by-lined stories, established a pen-pal group for World War II soldiers, sailors and airmen, served in several roles typical for women in the 1950's and '60's behind a desk or on her feet serving others. In every one of those jobs her heart was always focused on helping other folks. It was while working as a bookkeeper at the San Saba Cap Factory that she began to consider opening her own business. She is perhaps most well-known for her six decades of family history research, which she did for free for anyone that would ask. She tied her family together one document at a time and laid a foundation that will last for generations not yet born. Coral is survived by 2 of her 4 birth children, 12 of the 14 grandchildren who came to her by birth or adoption, all 3 of her step-grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Plus, she knew and regularly corresponded with hundreds of her cousins of varying degrees and all their families. She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, first Frank Gates in 1959 and then John Williams in 1996. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 in Coweta, Oklahoma, at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Coweta, 15296 State Hwy. 72, Coweta, OK, and again Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017 in San Saba, Texas, at 1 p.m. at The Father's House, 704 E. Commerce St., San Saba, TX. In lieu of flowers, Coral would have sincerely appreciated donations to Relay for Life (local affiliates for Wagoner County, OK or San Saba County, TX) because they provide transportation to cancer patients. She supported this cause each year herself. Burial will be held in private in San Saba, Texas at a later date. Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilyfuneralhome.com. The family of Coral Williams entrusted her care, cremation and service to Wright-Brown Family Funeral Home, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.