Esther Ruby Malone Williams, 85, of Cherokee, died at Helen Keller Hospital, Sheffield, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2003. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Cherokee Church of Christ, with Brother Jason Powell officiating. Burial will be at Mount Zion Cemetery on White Pike, south of Cherokee.She was born May 8, 1918, in Maud, Ala., the daughter of Robert and Laura Burns Malone. She was a member of the Church of Christ.Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Clifton and Othur Malone; sisters, Allie Hutcheson and Ila McMurray; husband, Carroll Hughes Williams Sr.; great-grandson, Steven Williams, and daughter-in-law, Anita Askew Williams; grandson-in-law, Barry Van Winkle.Survivors include her brother, Hubert and wife, Ruby, Malone; sons, Carroll H. Williams Jr. and Roger and wife, Linda Williams; daughter, Peggy and husband, Don Marquart; grandchildren, Deanna and husband, Mitchell Blackmon, Lee and wife, Debby Williams, Tommy and wife, Jennifer Williams, Kelly and husband, Darren Wallace, Stuart and wife, Kelly Williams, Staff Sgt. Laura and husband, Staff Sgt. Brandon Bennett, Bonnie and Tiffany Hensley, Amanda and Colton Marquart; great-grandchildren, Blake and Drew Van Winkle, Cody, Blake and Carroll T. Williams Jr., John and William Blackmon, Tamsin Bennett; sisters-in-law, Ida Hodge and Eunice Malone; and a host of nieces and nephews.Pallbearers are Lee Williams, Stuart Williams, Tommy Williams, Vernon Malone, Mitchell Blackmon and Don Marquart.Honorary pallbearers are Darrell Malone, Robert McMurray and Darrell Wallace.She was a devoted wife, known affectionately as "Miss Esther." She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A child during "the Depression Era," she grew up with a strong work ethic and was always willing to help those in need. She was noted for her banana puddin! She cared deeply for animals, especially her flock of chickens. The heavens are brighter now because they have a new "shining star" in their midst. Special thanks to Dr. Lynn Ridgeway for his compassionate care, thanks to Mrs. Betty Malone who called daily through the years to check on her welfare.Thanks also to the staff at Sunbridge Nursing Home and resident Mrs. Betty Evans. A warm thanks to the fouth-floor nursing staff at Helen Keller Hospital, who were her angels during the final hours of her battle with cancer.