Mamie Williams

Mamie Johanna Martin Williams was born October 5, 1915 and completed her earthly task on Tuesday, May 17, 2011.  Her Tlingit name was Skaan-dah-aut; she was T’akdeintaan, Yéil Kúdi Hít (Raven, Kittywake’s Nest House).

Mamie was born and raised in Juneau and attended school in Juneau, Petersburg and Sheldon Jackson. Mamie married her husband David John Williams, Sr. on December 28, 1931 and together they raised 12 children in Hoonah and Juneau.

Mamie had many hobbies as she always loved to produce something wonderful, she sewed, did traditional spruce root basketry, made moccasins and beaded regalia. She was an accomplished cook and her passion was baking and sharing her creations with family and friends. Mamie was a lifetime member of ANS Camp 12 and an original member of Hoonah Mt. Fairweather Dancers. She was the first school board president in Hoonah advocating for Hoonah to have its own Jr. High and High School. She was an advocate for health and volunteered her services to the medical vessel the Hy-Gene. Mamie had an incredible mind remembering with wonderful clarity all the historic events she witnessed. Her storytelling was enjoyed by many.

Her grandson Jason stated, "What an inspiration she was to us all! Guiding us through hard tasks and loving us all unconditionally. She will truly be missed."

Mamie headed 5 generations of family with 13 children and 180 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.

Her son Melvin stated, "What a pillar of strength and wisdom she was to us all. Her compassion for all people and faith in GOD will stay in our hearts forever!"

Published in The Juneau Empire from May 24 to May 31, 2011