Joanne Arkinson Williams

Our Creator took one of his angels to be with him. Our loving wife, mother, grandma, sister, and friend, Joanne Arkinson Williams, 61, of Billings went to be with the Lord on Jan. 26, 2011.

She was born April 24, 1949, to Joseph Arkinson Sr. and Theresa Small in Fort Belknap, Mont. She was an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree tribe of Rocky Boy, Mont., where she was raised until she went off to Job Corps in New Mexico to pursue an education in secretarial school.

She later came back to Montana living in Great Falls, where she met her husband and life partner, Clarence Williams. Feb. 5, 2011, would have been there 39th wedding anniversary.

Joanne's biggest joys were her husband, children and grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy! She also enjoyed bingo, casino-hopping, reading and shopping. I'm sure there's a Wal-Mart or Goodwill in heaven. She also enjoyed cooking. We'll miss her fry-bread. She loved being surrounded by her loved ones. She embraced her native culture and her native humor will be deeply missed!

Her parents, Joe and Theresa; aunts, Madeline and Marion; uncles, Gabe and Lawrence; brothers Joseph, Leland, Kenneth, Leon, and Donny; and sisters Donna and Martina preceded her in death. They'll be there to welcome her in heaven.

Joanne leaves behind her husband, Clarence; her children, Angel Redd, Tina (Mike) Timmons, Jimi (Jackie) Brown, Billy (Shannon) Williams, Leland (Carly) Williams, and Darlena Brown; her grandchildren, Willie "Poo" (Cera) Redd, whom she raised, Kandi (Darryl) Weidner, Destanie, Dom, Robin, Jordan, Amorasia, Isiah, Victoria, Jimi II, Demetrius, Alex, Rae-Lynn,Caleb, Carmen, Billy Jo, Sierra, Leonte, and Bean; great- granddaughters Kenzee, Kaiya, Destiny, Cecelia, Cereniti and Abigail; special friend of the family, Deacon John Davis; her sisters, Cynthia Schmockel and Sharon Bell, Marcella (Scott) Knaub, Linda Stump, and Leona Oats; her brothers, Bill Schmockel, Quentin Stump, John Oats and Victor Arkinson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. If we missed any loved ones we are truly sorry.

After every dark night, there is a brighter day. We saw you in the clouds this morning, in a beautiful sunrise! We will be OK knowing that you're sitting next to God, watching over us, in a place with no more suffering, tears or sorrow. You'll always be in our hearts and we will continue to celebrate your life. We know you will be waiting for us with loving and open arms! Much love, always, your family

Viewing will be Saturday, Jan. 29, from noon to 9 p.m. at Smith Downtown Chapel, Billings. A wake will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Chrysallis Acres Community Center, 129 Monarch. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Any condolences, gifts or contributions may be made to her husband, Clarence, in Billings.

Our Creator took one of his angels to be with him. Our loving wife, mother, grandma, sister, and friend, Joanne Arkinson Williams, 61, of Billings went to be with the Lord on Jan. 26, 2011.

She was born April 24, 1949, to Joseph Arkinson Sr. and Theresa Small in Fort Belknap, Mont. She was an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree tribe of Rocky Boy, Mont., where she was raised until she went off to Job Corps in New Mexico to pursue an education in secretarial school.

She later came back to Montana living in Great Falls, where she met her husband and life partner, Clarence Williams. Feb. 5, 2011, would have been there 39th wedding anniversary.

Joanne's biggest joys were her husband, children and grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy! She also enjoyed bingo, casino-hopping, reading and shopping. I'm sure there's a Wal-Mart or Goodwill in heaven. She also enjoyed cooking. We'll miss her fry-bread. She loved being surrounded by her loved ones. She embraced her native culture and her native humor will be deeply missed!

Her parents, Joe and Theresa; aunts, Madeline and Marion; uncles, Gabe and Lawrence; brothers Joseph, Leland, Kenneth, Leon, and Donny; and sisters Donna and Martina preceded her in death. They'll be there to welcome her in heaven.

Joanne leaves behind her husband, Clarence; her children, Angel Redd, Tina (Mike) Timmons, Jimi (Jackie) Brown, Billy (Shannon) Williams, Leland (Carly) Williams, and Darlena Brown; her grandchildren, Willie "Poo" (Cera) Redd, whom she raised, Kandi (Darryl) Weidner, Destanie, Dom, Robin, Jordan, Amorasia, Isiah, Victoria, Jimi II, Demetrius, Alex, Rae-Lynn,Caleb, Carmen, Billy Jo, Sierra, Leonte, and Bean; great- granddaughters Kenzee, Kaiya, Destiny, Cecelia, Cereniti and Abigail; special friend of the family, Deacon John Davis; her sisters, Cynthia Schmockel and Sharon Bell, Marcella (Scott) Knaub, Linda Stump, and Leona Oats; her brothers, Bill Schmockel, Quentin Stump, John Oats and Victor Arkinson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. If we missed any loved ones we are truly sorry.

After every dark night, there is a brighter day. We saw you in the clouds this morning, in a beautiful sunrise! We will be OK knowing that you're sitting next to God, watching over us, in a place with no more suffering, tears or sorrow. You'll always be in our hearts and we will continue to celebrate your life. We know you will be waiting for us with loving and open arms! Much love, always, your family

Viewing will be Saturday, Jan. 29, from noon to 9 p.m. at Smith Downtown Chapel, Billings. A wake will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Chrysallis Acres Community Center, 129 Monarch. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 31 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Any condolences, gifts or contributions may be made to her husband, Clarence, in Billings.