Harriett Jean Williams

Harriet Jean (Burkett) Williams, Age 94, of Jackson, Michigan passed away on December 6th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at the Henry Ford Hospice Home.

She was born April 22, 1931 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Harry Burkett and Dorothy (Wagner) Burkett.

Harriet was married to Thomas Williams for 73 years until he passed on December 22, 2023. They met as young people in a church youth group in Johnstown, Pennsylvania after Tom returned home from military service in the US Army during WWII.  From the beginning, their life together was rooted in faith, commitment, and a deep love for family. They were members of Jackson First United Methodist Church for 70 years.

They adopted four children and from 1975 to 1989, lovingly opened their home as foster parents to 65 children under the age of five, providing safety, stability, and care during the most formative years of those young lives. 

They shared a love of travel and adventure throughout their years together.  In retirement, they became snowbirds, spending winters in Florida and faithfully following the horse jumping competitions they so enjoyed.  Disney World held a special place in their hearts, and they returned often – first with their children, then with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and also simply as two people delighting in the magic they never outgrew. Their life together was marked by generosity, joy, and an enduring devotion to one another and to the many lives they touched. 

Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Williams; Daughter, Cheryl Williams; brother, William Burkett; and her parents, Harry and Dorothy Burkett. 

She is survived by her children, Brian (Valerie) Williams; Pamela Freytag; and Matthew Williams; Grandchildren, Jaime (David) Lawrence; Leigh (Nate) Toppen; Brock Merritt; Rebecca (Ryan) McGrew; Daniel Williams; Rephael Williams; Ruth (Ross) Orchard; David (Emily) Williams; and Benjamin Williams; Great-Grandchildren, Aiden Merritt-Miller; Madelyn Lawrence; Riley Lawrence; Tad Machnik; Lily Machnik; Dale Machnik; Christopher McGrew; Andrew McGrew; Rachel McGrew; Sarah McGrew; Joshua McGrew; Samuel McGrew; Diego (Lily) Martinez; Roman Caldwell; Logan Caldwell. 

Cremation has taken place through Watson Funeral Chapel.  A private family service will be held at a later date at Fort Custer National Cemetery, where Harriet will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband. 

Donations in Harriet’s honor can be made to the Music Therapy Ministry with the Jackson First United Methodist Church or Harmony Garden Music Therapy Services.

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