As a military spouse, Minnie moved to Columbus in 1964. She loved gardening, canning and cooking for her large family of eight. As a mother of six children she had plenty opportunities to cook and her love of southern cooking began. She made the best fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and chicken n dumplings. Her secret to making the best food was ingredients fresh from her garden.
Minnie’s journey as a business woman began in 1973 with the creation of her own catering business specializing in wedding receptions. She would spend many hours before a wedding decorating cakes to make sure her brides had the freshest cakes.
In 1986 Minnie’s dream of owning her own restaurant became a reality with the opening of the iconic Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant. It was a risk as she only had $200 and no bank would give her a loan. With true grit and determination, Minnie’s dream has become a legacy in Columbus. The restaurant has received many Reader’s Choice awards during it’s 36 years for it’s country cooking. She enjoyed the interactions with her customers and appreciated them coming year after year. For her Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant was an extension of her own kitchen - Serving up the best food for her customers.
Minnie was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, active in many ministries; Friends Who Care, the Altar Society, Adoration, the Elijah Cup, Prime Timers, Parish Hostess, Outreach, The Ladies Auxiliary of Columbus, CCW, Thyme and Talent, Sewing Circle and Prayer Ministry. She received the Diocese of Savannah’s Gartland Award, in recognition of her years of service to the parish and community.
Minnie was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Williams (Oct. 2, 1930 - May1, 1997); second husband, Charles Hanneman, (May 2, 1936 - March 8, 2023); daughter, Mary Ann Knapp; sons, Franklin Williams and Anthony (Tony) Williams.
Minnie is survived by her daughters, Rose (Jim) Wiggins, Debbie (Bill) Hannah and Theresa Anderson; Grandchildren, Amy (Travis) Gunn, Tripp (Sarah) Talley, Melinda Newton, Curtis (Ingrid) Williams, Daniel Williams, Melanie Kirchhof, Chris (Amanda) Hannah, Jennifer Hannah, Sarah (Jason) Hatley, Thomas (Madison) Williams, William Williams, Lucas Williams, Kasie (Joseph) Halstead, Cole (Pamela) LeCroy, She was blessed to have 22 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2000 Kay Circle, Columbus, Ga., on Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia on Friday, June 9 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Rosary Service will be 6:00-6:20 pm. Burial will follow at Parkhill Cemetery on Macon Rd, Columbus, Ga.
