SMETHPORT — Rhea Mae Martin Williams, 94, of Smethport, passed away Sunday (May 25, 2025) at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born Jan. 25, 1931, in Smethport, the daughter of Edward John and Ethel Delilah (Austin) Martin. On June 3, 1950 in Farmer’s Valley, she married the love of her life for 71 years, Glenn Arthur Williams, who died Dec. 4, 2021.

After losing her mother at the age of 16, she had to step into her shoes and take care of her family, learning how to bake, make meals and tend to the house. Rhea was a homemaker, tending to the needs of her family. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a very special bond with her first great-granddaughter, McKia Williams, who Rhea said was her angel. She was the most loving and caring mother and grandmother and will truly be missed.

She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Smethport, where she sang in the choir and was part of the auxiliary.

She is survived by two daughters, Sharon Work of Smethport and Tina (Richard) Linane of Gifford; one son, Glen T. Williams of Smethport; grandchildren: Chad (Jen) Work, Melinda (Jim) Lent, Max (Melissa) Linane, Melissa (Michael) Bennett, Eric (Amy) Barber, Nathan (Kim) Williams, Monica (Chuck) Lee and Melanie (Dan) Cunningham; and many great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren; a special sister-in-law, Dorothy Manning; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Francis E. Williams; a sister, Audene Martin, and two brothers, Ira S. Martin and Harry E. Martin; a son-in-law, Leroy Work; and a daughter-in-law, Mary DeCarlo.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28, from 3-5 p.m. at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where funeral services will begin after visitation in the funeral home at 5 p.m. Burial will be in the Fairmount Cemetery, Farmers Valley.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport Food Bank or Roswell Cancer Center. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., Smethport.