Irene Williams, 74, of Huntingtown, Maryland, passed away on November 18, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She displayed incredible strength, faith and grace, inspiring all who knew and encountered her.
Irene was born on December 20, 1950 to Henry and Irene Ashworth in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Her childhood was shaped, in large part, by her father’s job with IBM, which required the family – including older brother, Skip, and younger sister, Joyce – to move to a new state every one to three years. Beginning in 1957, the family moved to New York and later lived in Maine, Louisiana, Michigan, Alabama, and Texas, before settling in Oklahoma in 1967.
After graduating from Mount St. Mary High School in 1969, Irene went on to study special education at Oklahoma University. She moved to Maryland in 1974, where she later earned a master’s degree in language resources from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Irene was a passionate, dedicated and exemplary teacher for over 40 years. She taught special education for the first half of her career at: Orchard Park in Oklahoma and Green Holly and Appeal Elementary in Maryland. The latter half was spent as an 8th grade language arts teacher, ultimately retiring from Plum Point Middle in Huntingtown, MD. Irene loved teaching and spent countless hours outside the classroom helping her students, the schools and the community. She nurtured the potential in every student with determination, understanding and respect, especially those most in need.
After retirement, Irene continued to give and help others, volunteering at local schools and her church, St. John Vianney. She also enjoyed planning and taking family trips, most notably to Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, D.C., Florida, various arts & craft shows and anywhere near the water. A few (more) of her favorite things are: four seasons, especially autumn; trees; celebrating & decorating for holidays; Hallmark anything; animals, especially dogs; putting together care packages & gift giving; hosting & cooking; attending church; museums; learning new words; watching Ravens & OU football; spending quality time with her grandkids.
Above all, Irene was a devoted, beloved and respected mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and parishioner. She strived to live by her own words, “When I make a commitment, I honor it.” Her legacy is one of integrity, generosity, work ethic, inclusion, faith and unconditional love.
Irene will be lovingly remembered by son Mattison Williams; daughter, Regina Razon and husband, Kevin; Anthony Williams and wife, Jessica; grandsons, Nathan and Landon Williams; granddaughters, Penelope and Juniper Razon; grand dog, Poppy; as well as countless relatives and friends.
A viewing will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 29, 2025, followed by the funeral service at 11 am, at 105 Vianney Lane, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in Irene’s honor, to one of the following charities: Little Sisters of the Poor, Pets with Disabilities, or Hospice of the Chesapeake.
Nick Schmitz
December 1 – Obituary: Irene Anna Williams
I am so saddened to hear of Mrs. Willliams’ passing. She was an unforgettable teacher, and I still have such fond memories of her class. I am now six years into my career as an educator, and I pass on a lot of the practices she taught me to my students. I was aware of her deep faith, and may her faith give comfort to her family at this moment of sorrow. Rest in Peace, Mrs. Williams.
Robin Cox
November 21 – Obituary: Irene Anna Williams
Mrs. Williams was a lovely lady and a phen0monal teacher!! Our family came to know her when our daughter was her student in 8th grade. Her dedication, passion and organization were like none we had seen before. We quickly came to appreciate all she had to offer and her input directly helped our daughter get organized in her work prior to high school and focused on studying which helped her well into her college education to become a teacher, naturally. We credit Mrs. Williams for sparking the desire in our daughter to go into education and she is now more than 1/2 way through her teaching career in Calvert County. Not too long ago, I ran into her in town and extended our appreciation to her and now I’m glad we had that opportunity to chat. We are forever grateful for her impact on our family and she was an absolute jewel of a lady!!
Sue-Ellen Simitian
November 20 – Obituary: Irene Anna Williams
Irene worked with me in the ’80s when I was a student at Appeal Elementary. I also knew her as a mom because me and Mattison went through school together. She was always kind to me and as a child with disabilities, I felt like she was always in my corner. Lots of love and hugs to Mattison, Regina and Anthony. She will truly always be with you. Peace
Sally Ayres
November 19 – Obituary: Irene Anna Williams
I was blessed to work with Irene for several years at Plum Point Middle School where she quite literally “burned the midnight oil” on behalf of her students. She was devoted to each one and did all she could to meet their needs while also being a devoted mother. I have so many fond memories of Irene. I also was so privileged to have Regina in my classes— a model student and a joy. I send my heartfelt condolences to all of the Williams family. May you rest with peace in the knowledge that Irene is now in peace with the God she loved.
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