— Life Reflections —
Ingrid Marie Williams, known to her loved ones as “Mimi”, passed from this side of life on August 24, 2023, at the age of 72 in Dallas, Texas. She was born on September 13, 1950, in Marshall, Texas to the parents Charlie Bethea and Dorothy (Rusk) Bethea), but would be adopted and raised at an early age by her uncle and aunt, Early and Pauline Rusk.
Ingrid was a dedicated employee, having worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone, now AT&T, for over 25 years. Additionally, she showcased her musical talents as a professional pianist and organist for sixty years. Motoring across East Texas in her 1966, golden brown Chevy Malibu, purchased for her by her father to make sure she would be safe in her travels. Ingrid’s career and passion for music brought joy to those around her creating innumerable friends and connections.
She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, strong faith, fiery personality, and resilience. Ingrid leaves behind her son, Brent Rusk, and her daughters, Inger (Durden) Mays, and Shaundria Durden. She was also a loving grandmother to her grandchildren, Briante Durden, Brenna Rusk, Herie Thompson IV, Jordon Shepherd, Tyron Hardaway, KeAndre Mays, and Joshua Mays.
Ingrid was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Williams. She will be deeply missed by all who know her.
In her free time, Ingrid enjoyed playing the piano and organ, singing, and serving as a chorus director. She also found joy in Bible study, fishing, traveling, attending workshops, and teaching piano, and music theory. She could often be heard telling students with a smile on her face, “First, learn to play the basics. Then go back and put yourself into it.”
Benevolence ministry work was also her passion. She would often drive by herself to the North Texas Food Bank in Forth Worth, and the Mansfield Food Bank to purchase a pallet of food, and have it loaded into her truck to take back to the Trinity Church in Pleasant Grove. When her health began to fail, she told her son of her personal ministry and would call upon him and others to either make the journey with her or for her. She loved helping people, even when she herself was in need.
Ingrid worshipped and played for various houses of worship throughout her life, including Ward Chapel AME, Saint James Baptist Church, Pleasant Zion Baptist Church, Trinity Baptist, and Riverside Missionary Baptist, to name a few.
May her memory be a source of comfort and strength to all.