Wanda "Elaine" McWilliams

DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THE SERVICE WILL BE POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED.

FARMINGTON – Wanda “Elaine” McWilliams passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 80 years at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born on August 23, 1944, in Hurryville, Missouri, to the late William “Bill” and Zelda (Miller) Reese. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Ed Reese and Delbert Reese, who was killed in Vietnam; her in-laws, Leo and Blanche (Kennon) McWilliams, brother-in-law, and sisters-in-law, Shirley (Darwin “Chuck”) Langley, Bette Jean Songer and Adele McWilliams, grandson, Dylan Gunderson and a very special aunt, Norma McWilliams.

Elaine was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and she was a fantastic cook. Everyone loved her peach cobblers and would request them often. She enjoyed sewing in her younger years and she often made her children’s clothing with matching Barbie doll and baby doll clothes. Crafting was a favorite hobby and she made various pieces of holiday décor for family and friends. Later in life Elaine began doing Crypt-o-Grams to keep her mind sharp. She loved visiting with family and friends. Her most important and cherished goal in life was caring for and nurturing her husband, children and grandchildren.   

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years (as of January 5, 2025), Carroll Wayne McWilliams. They loved each other very much and Carroll took great care of Elaine. Also surviving are her children, Michelle (David Delano) McWilliams, Gina (Kenneth) Brewer and Wayne (Jana) McWilliams; bonus son, Bud (Kim) Goheen; sisters, Phyllis Hulsey and Betty (Mark) Wilfong, brother-in-law, J. D. McWilliams, sister-in-law, Wanda (Ben) Merritt; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and one great-great grandchild on the way, along with many other special and dearly loved family members.

A memorial service will be announced at a later time as the original service planned has been postponed. Donations will be accepted in Elaine’s name to First Baptist Church of Desloge, Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, or First United Baptist Church of Farmington. Elaine carried out her final wish to be an organ donor and was so honored with giving the gift of three precious organs. View the online obituary and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.