Iris Carnes Williams

Iris Carnes Williams, 91, went peacefully home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 9th, 2024, Iris was born in Guilford County, NC on June 14th, 1933, daughter to the late Pink McKinley and Ruby Rebecca Stephenson Carnes. She was also preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of 70 years, William” Bill” Williams III. Many precious, precious friends have shared that there was never one of them without the other, and now they are together for eternity. Iris, with her husband Bill, lived her life desiring that others would profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

A Celebration of Life Worship Service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church (Iris's home church family that she dearly loved), 2518 Lancaster Hwy, Monroe, NC 28112. The family will receive friends and family prior to the service beginning at 2:00 PM, in the church.

Iris is survived by her extraordinary son William Tyre "Billy" Williams, Jr. of Monroe, her daughter Janet Breeding and husband Wayne, of Rockingham, a “little” brother and special sister, Lindy (Claudia) Cockman, Jr. of Rockingham, NC, and her two precious grandchildren and their spouses, Lindsey (Tyler) Cunningham of Lancaster SC and Jonathan (Marlene) Daniels) of Moncks Corner, SC. Her long years afforded her the joy of four great- grandchildren who were the "apples of her eye' McKinley and Cooper ("Big Man") Cunningham, Wyatt Tyre Daniels, and Riley Breeding. Iris was also blessed to have a "bonus" grandson, Dax Breeding of Apex, NC to whom she always imparted free advice. She was also lovingly known as Aunt Iris to Rob (Erin) Cockman and family, Chris (Angie) Cockman and family, and Steven (Caroline) Cockman and family - to Iris “the boys” and their families, in part, belonged to her as she was so very proud of all their accomplishments. Iris was richly blessed to have many "chosen family members" who meant the world to her as she often shared how much her life had been enriched by her many brothers and sisters in Christ.

Iris graduated from Rockingham High School in 1951 and married her soul mate in 1952 in Cordova, NC (Richmond County), and returned home, with Bill, to Richmond County in 2021. From then until Iris breathed her last breath, she brought such joy to others through robust phone and card ministries- always placing others before herself. The Gideon Auxiliary was very dear to Iris as this was one more opportunity to reach others for Jesus Christ.

Iris had many titles beloved wife, Ms. Williams (the bond she shared with Billy cannot be captured with the written word), Momma, Sister, Aunt, Mentor, Christian Sister, Piano Player (oh! how she loved her music and the opportunity to play hymns, especially for those less fortunate) and Chief Cook. No doubt the title nearest and dearest to her heart was Mamaw as the love she had for her “favorite grandchildren” was an endless supply. The time they shared is filled with moments and memories that have shaped Lindsey and Jonathan to this very day and will continue as they rear their own children. As her time on Earth was coming to a close both were “glued” to her bedside day and night bantering all the vacations, summer visits, sermonettes, free advice, and many other reasons why they loved her so very much. The joy they brought her was unspeakable. Their hearts are broken, but knowing they will be together again brings utter peace.

After Bill’s passing, the family still had the strength of a woman who personified a Proverbs 31: 10 - 31 woman of noble character. She has poured so much into her family and friends that when things are difficult in the future, we have such a wonderful legacy to guide our way - a true blessing. She was so deeply loved by her family, friends, church families and community.

In lieu of flowers, Iris would, no doubt ask, that any memorial should advance the Kingdom of God through donations to Calvary Baptist Church 2518 Lancaster Hwy. Monroe, NC 28112, Freedom Baptist Church/10 10 10 Ministry, 987 N US Highway 1, Rockingham, NC 28379 or the Gideon Ministry, Union Camp West, PO Box 371, Monroe NC 28111.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112 is honored to be entrusted to care for the Williams Family.