Frances Maxine Williams

Born to Edward and Beth (Kiesling) Stepner in 1923, Frances was the sister of Pauline and Joe. A native of Venice, California, Frances graduated from Venice High School. Frances married William “Chet” Russell, her high school sweetheart, in April of 1944 and they dreamed of becoming missionaries to Japan. Tragically, Frances was widowed that September when her dear Chet was killed in action in Guam during World War II. Frances went on to meet and marry Roy Williams in 1952 and they welcomed their son Paul in 1955. Everything that Frances did, she did for Paul. In 1988, Frances found love again with Paul, her brother-in-law. They lived happily in San Pedro until Paul’s death in 2001. Frances spent the last years of her life in Huntington Beach, near her son and daughter-in-law. In March of 2023, Frances celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family.

Frances had a wide circle of friends, was active in her church, and had a long career in telecommunications. She started as a “hello girl” working the switchboards in the 1940s and retired from upper management at GTE in 1981. A devoted Christian, Frances sang alto in a gospel quartet, supported missionaries, and faithfully attended Ocean View Baptist Church in San Pedro, California. She never missed a chance to share God’s love with others. Frances loved with fierceness and loyalty. She was warm, fun loving, and embodied her childhood nickname “Bubbles.” Frances believed in service and civic duty, and was a member of Pioneers Volunteer Network, the Native Daughters of the Golden West, and the telephone worker’s union.

Frances is survived by her son Paul, daughter-in-law Barbara, grandchildren Kristen (Jon) and Timothy (Sarah), one great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and scores of dear friends.

Frances’ family would like to thank the staff at Huntington Valley Healthcare for their excellent and loving care during Frances’ final years and Bristol Hospice Orange County for ensuring Frances’ comfort at the end of her life.

Frances will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial service planned for July 29th at 2pm at Ocean View Baptist Church in San Pedro, California. For information about the memorial service or to reach the family, please email [email protected]