Rema Marie McWilliams

Rema Marie McWilliams, of Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona passed away on February 6, 2015 after a long courageous battle against cancer. She went to be with her Lord peacefully surrounded by her family. Rema was born in Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee on November 1, 1930 to James Buford Hancock and Alice Mae Tarwater. She was the oldest of 18 children: 6 brothers, 7 sisters, 3 step-sisters and 1 step-brother. In 1947 she married Harry Sharp and together they had 4 children, Butch, Eva, Patty and Nancy. They moved to Detroit, Michigan where she worked as a waitress in very high class restaurants. In 1967 she married Frank Sussan and they had one daughter, Francine before moving to Tucson, Arizona to escape the riots and for health reasons. While in Tucson she worked as a waitress at Sambos Restaurant and then Levys. She married Carl McWilliams in 1974 and they eventually retired and moved to White Mountains of Arizona living in Lakeside. They both enjoyed the area and the fishing. They enjoyed going to church and praising the Lord. While in Lakeside she joined the Living Church helping with the children's church, participating with the singles group, new ministries and cleaning. She worked as a daycare worker for children and then as a home health provider for the elderly. She enjoyed making crosses and handing them out to all she came in contact with. Rema was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl McWilliams; 3 sisters, Barbara Kirkland, Cynthia Fox and Carol Thurmond; as well as 3 brothers, James, Charles and Dennis Hancock. She is survived by 4 sisters, Bobbie Kirkland, Rosalie Robinson, Alice Hancock and Janie Frank; 3 brothers, Eugene, Donald and Eddie Hancock; 3 step-sisters, Wanda, Brenda and Judy; a step-brother, Tommy; a son, Harry "Butch" Sharp (Dawn); daughters, Eva Ayres (Les), Patty Lambert (Carl), Nancy Stevens (Rex) and Francene Stecher (Scot); step-daughters, Carol Ritter, Marlene McKinnon; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and her pet dove "Rooster". To her dear family friend, Carol Milek, who was with her during her valiant battle with cancer making her last year comfortable; granddaughter Tia Heath who worked tirelessly to help her in her final year of struggles and the Stechers for opening up their hearts and homes for her during her illness, you are much appreciated for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Bless you all. God bless all the staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Banner Hospital of Gilbert and Acuity Specialty Hospital of Sun City. Flowers would be nice but please consider donations to the MD Anderson Cancer Center or American Cancer Society, in Rema's name. A viewing will be held 9:30 A.M. Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Living Church, 3072 Lockwood Drive, Lakeside, Arizona 85929 with funeral services to follow at 10:30 A.M.. Interment will follow in the Lakeside Cemetery, Lakeside, Arizona.