Paris, Tenn.–Services have been set for Minnie Bess Williams of Paris, who died at the age of 106 at Morningside of Paris.
Minnie Bess was a supervisor at the former Salant & Salant shirt factory in Paris at a time when women did not hold such positions. She worked there for 44 years, from 1936-1980, working there until the factory closed.
She and her husband, Noble, also operated Eagle Gift Shop from 1954-1980.
She grew up in the Sulphur Well area of Henry County and attended Antioch and Buchanan schools. She lived through the days of the Great Depression and was a member of what has been called “America’s greatest generation.” Minnie Bess was a longtime member of Point Pleasant Baptist Church in Buchanan, TN, where she was baptized in 1933. Minnie Bess enjoyed playing bridge and held the designation of “Gold Life Master.” She also volunteered at Henry County Medical Center for 20 years.
In an article published in 2012 in PARIS! Magazine, Minnie Bess said, “I’ve been blessed. I enjoyed everything in my life.”
Minnie Bess was born November 13, 1914, in the Sulphur Well area of Henry County, TN, to the late James Richard Cowan and the late Mary Davidson Cowan.
She was married August 23, 1932, to Noble Williams, who preceded her in death on June 8, 1983.
She is survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by four sisters, Wylmath “Willie” Weeks, Frances Williams, Velma Yates, and Louise Buckingham; four brothers, David Cowan, Thomas Cowan, Robert Cowan, and Alex Cowan; and one half-brother, John Cowan.
Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 30, 2021, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Larry Dukes officiating.
Family will serve as pallbearers.
Entombment will be in Rose Lawn Mausoleum in Paris, TN.
Memorials may be made to Point Pleasant Baptist Church, 13700 Highway 79, Buchanan, TN 38222.
Photo: Minnie Bess with one of the shirts made at Salant & Salant. Photo by Shannon McFarlin.
Minnie Bess Williams kneels in front with members of the sewing department of Salant & Salant.