Elfrieda Wlliams

Elfrieda Marie Williams, 83, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by family.

Elfrieda was born July 26, 1938, in Jackson to William A.H. and Ruby A. Fluegge Aufdenberg. She was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit (rural Jackson), where she was baptized by the Rev. H. J. Strichert on Aug. 28, 1938, and confirmed her faith on April 6, 1952. She and L.R. Williams were married Sept. 28, 1958, at the church. They had been married nearly 30 years when L.R. passed away July 31, 1988.

Elfrieda had a love for life and was happy to always serve others, stating that God had truly blessed her. Elfrieda, L.R. and their family were active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit. Elfrieda taught Sunday school for 25 years and served on the Altar Guild and Bereavement Committee.

In 2004 she transferred her membership to St. Paul Lutheran Church to serve with family and friends who were already members. At St. Paul, she was often found helping anywhere she could. She was happy to assemble weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters, visit and read the gospel to nursing home and homebound shut-in members, help package seeds with the Hope Seeds group, and especially enjoyed seeing her grandkids when she worked as a substitute cook at St. Paul School. Elfrieda never turned down an opportunity to help and was celebrated as Steward of the Month in March 2012.

Growing up in a farming family, Elfrieda was quick to learn the farm life. Driving a tractor, butchering beef and hogs, canning pints and quarts of meats and vegetables, milking cows, feeding chickens, working up a bountiful garden and growing the most beautiful flowers was a daily ritual. It was easy to see how proud she was of her God-given talents when folks would stop in front of her house to gaze at her blooming flower beds and large garden. She loved being outdoors and preferred to be barefooted as she worked up and planted her garden. She was always happy to share her green-thumb talents.

In addition to being a life-long professional homemaker, Elfrieda gave 22 dedicated years to the Jackson School District as a cook and enjoyed some part-time kitchen work at St. Paul School as well. Her culinary career was no secret. Regardless of family, friend or stranger, she cooked at home as if she operated a five-star eatery. From her farm to her garden to her table style, she let no one go hungry in her house.

Elfrieda was passionate about her family and sharing fun times with them. Whether shopping, getting their hair done, or enjoying a cup of coffee, she and her sisters had an unbreakable bond like any best friends would. She especially enjoyed watching and attending anything that her kids, grandkids or great-grandkids were involved in — sporting events, plays, school and church functions. She truly was one of their biggest fans.

Elfrieda enjoyed church suppers and meals out on the town, dancing, and ice cream socials in the front yard, camping on the Castor River, and vacationing nearly anywhere she could — Germany, Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, Colorado, Wisconsin or the East Coast, demonstrating that she unquestionably enjoyed the journey.

Elfrieda also gave to those she did not know. She was an avid supporter of many children’s hospitals, like St. Jude and Kenny Rodgers, and faithfully donated blood to the American Red Cross. The actual number is unknown, but over the years, her blood donation exceeded 80 units (10 gallons).

Those who were fortunate to know Elfrieda will truly miss her friendly smile, generous heart and tremendous love.

Loving survivors include her three sons, Terry (Caroline) Williams, Alan (Jani) Williams and Scott (Renee) Williams, all of Jackson; six grandchildren, Jill Carlile of Jackson; Michael (Casey) Williams of Portsmouth, Virginia; Ursulla (Doug) Wadley of Cape Girardeau; Nathaniel (Lee Lee) Reid of Wildwood, Missouri; and Brayden Williams and Carson Williams, both of Jackson; 14 great-grandchildren, Carter, Dalainey, Rayden, Curtis, Xander, Emmit, Waylon, Zsuzsanna, Roland, Megan (Jake), Reid (Maggie), Kyle, Amelia and Evan; two great-great-grandchildren, Haven and Asher; three sisters, Carol (Walt) Kutscher, Loretta (Melvin) Uelsmann and Mary (Ralph) Walther; and one brother, Richard (Judy) Aufdenberg; and a sister-in-law, Carla Aufdenberg, all of Jackson; and many loved nephews, nieces and cousins near and far.

Elfrieda was preceded in death by her husband, L.R. Williams; her parents, William and Ruby Aufdenberg; a sister, Loustelle (Joe) Ludwig; and a brother, David Aufdenberg

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Saturday, March 5 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. The Rev. Jason Shaw will conduct the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Tilsit.

Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church or St. Paul Lutheran School.

McCombs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Elfrieda’s personal obituary page at mccombsfuneralhome.com.