Mary Rae (Cruthirds) Steen-Williams

Mary Rae Steen Williams, lovingly known as “Mae Rae,” a bright and beautiful soul, was born on November 10, 1935, in Calhoun County, MS to the late Fairy and Leonard Cruthirds, Sr. 

Life’s span was exhausted and God’s will was done on June 12, 2025, when Mary departed this earthly life at Oxford Health and Rehab, Oxford, MS.

At an early age, Mary confessed hope in Christ and joined Bryant Chapel MB Church were she remained a faithful member until her health failed. Mary loved her church and served in many positions: Choir Member, Pastor Aid Committee, and Mother of the church.

As an adult, Mary enjoyed her career as Assistant Manger of Popular Trends in Oxford, MS. After she retired she enjoyed her life to the fullest. Mary enjoyed flower gardening, word puzzles, reading the Bible, cooking, and attending the Adult Day Care in Water Valley, MS.

In December 1963 she married the love of her life Winters J. Steen. To this union two children were born. Those left to cherish her memories: her loving daughter: Lorretta (Oddis) Barr, Oxford MS; her sisters: Leola Rose of Bruce, MS, Dorothy (Grafton) Hall of Chicago, IL and Bobbie (Eddie) Anderson of Memphis TN; grandsons; Patrick Steen and Joseph Barr of Oxford, MS and Oddis (Sasha) Barr of Bono, AR; One grand daughter: Cierra Buford of Oxford, MS; thirteen great grand children and fourteen great great grand children; a host of nieces, nephews, and a special friend: Mr. David Joiner of Oxford, MS.

She is preceded in death by her children’s father: Winters J. Steen; her parents: Fairy and Leonard Cruthirds, Sr.; her son: Winters Lee Steen; sisters: Jessie Kate Armstrong, Mae Ellen Lloyd, and Kathleen Hardwell; one brother: Leonard Cruthirds Jr. and late husband: Joe Lewis Williams.