Grace Williams

Grace Lucinda Tallman was born January 12, 1891, in Paton, Iowa, to Sarah Ellen Willett Tallman and Reuben Sanford Tallman. She was one of nine Tallman children growing up on a century farm. All the children helped their parents with domestic and farm chores. Grace assisted her dad in the fields with planting and harvesting.

All the Tallman children continued their education. Grace graduated from Cornell College in Mount Vernon with a bachelor's degree in education. She taught school to help support her family financially.

On November 28, 1918, Grace married Dewitt Q. "Duke" Williams. Duke and Grace moved to Boone, Iowa, where they started their family. The Williams had four children. Grace was a special mom who was involved in her children's projects and activities. She was an accomplished artist specializing in oil paintings. Grace also did china painting.

The Williams relocated to Des Moines for the rest of their married lives. Grace lost one of her three sons during the second world war in the Naval Air Corp. All three of her remaining children attended Iowa State University.

Grace was very supportive of her children and grandchildren as a motivator for improvement and success. She was kind, loving, and caring. Grace had the ability to make everyone around her a better person. She believed in education, equal rights for all, and the benefits of a strong family life. Grace was a great woman with a wonderful sense of humor.

She died on November 5, 1972, having touched many lives.

2/20/95