Denise Ann Williams

Denise Ann Williams “Grandma Cookie,” 64 of Charlotte, the glue that held her family together, died peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer on Monday, May 29, 2023. Denise was born July 9, 1958, in Charlotte, the fourth of five children of Max and Peggy (Parker) McConnell. Her parents both grew up as only children, so they wanted a big family, and not only did they have a large family, but they made family and friends the heart of everything. Whether it was making syrup on the McConnell Family Farm, summer trips in the station wagon to Houghton Lake where the McConnell, Kleinfelt and Wells families rented a house together, or simply the 20 minutes they would all sit down together for dinner every night with no distraction, the family was always doing things together. Growing up with family at the heart of everything, it’s no surprise that Denise continued many of these traditions and has a family that continues to show love and friendship to all they know.
Denise was a 1976 graduate of Olivet High School. She married young and had two sons, Jarrod and Anthony (Tony) Schultz. While some relationships don’t work out, there is often a bigger plan for our lives that we can’t predict and Denise met her second husband, Mark Williams and the two became inseparable. Mark and Denise were married January 18, 1990, in Las Vegas, and later added twin sons, Kevin and Kyle to their family. Denise’s family enjoyed the tradition that her mother had started, family meals every day where they would sit together for at least 20 minutes with no distractions and enjoy the delicious homemade meals she prepared (Denise was a fantastic cook). The family also enjoyed trips to Ludington to visit Denise’s mother and stepfather, Cedar Point adventures with nearly lifelong friend Shawn Beam, and camping trips with dear friends Roger and Diane Moening.
Some of Denise’s favorite activities included flannel Friday (or any opportunity to wear her favorite flannel shirt), spring syrup making at the McConnell Family Farm, bowling (she started in 1976 and belonged to the WIBC 600 club and USBC), playing softball (she was on a league for many years), golf, and family cornhole tournaments. Denise could often be found around town playing DJ trivia, DJ BINGO, helping with projects at the Eagles and American Legion, or just enjoying a beverage with friends. She had very fond memories of adventures that were made possible by their dear friend, Joe Kane, including flying around the country to work at auctions for JJ Kane, and a special trip to the Orange Bowl one year. Denise loved football and was a huge Michigan State fan, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs.
Denise is survived by her husband of 33 years, Mark Williams; sons, Jarrod (Koda Newland) Schultz; Anthony (Rachel) Schultz; Kevin (Kelsey) Williams; and Kyle (Jennelle Petras) Williams; eight grandchildren, Spencer (Brianna Truax) Schultz, Brayden Schultz, Brooke Schultz, Kayla Bailey, Dalton (Shy) Fraley, MiKayla Fraley, Gavin (Sierra Lunsford) Church, and Wynn Williams; great-granddaughter, Kynzlee Schultz; siblings, Randy (Karen Morehouse) McConnell, Debbie (Robert) Kinney, Jim McConnell, and Kent (Carrie) McConnell; many beloved nieces and nephews; step-father, Butch Hartley; her beloved JJ Kane family; and many extended family members. She was predeceased by her dad, Max McConnell in 1983 and mom, Peggy Hartley in 2019.
Friends are encouraged to support Denise’s family by attending services wearing your favorite flannel shirt for her Friday at 5 Party or by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Friday, June 2, 2-5:00 p.m. at the Charlotte American Legion. Her Life Celebration followed at 5:00 p.m. at the American Legion with Daniel O. Sowles officiating. The service was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Denise’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Denise specifically requested no flowers, instead donations can be made to American Legion Post 42. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. Denise had a special message to share with her friends and family, always remember, “Every day is a gift!” Her friends will tell you, the world is a better place because of the gift we had in our friendship with Denise.