Rita Henley Williams

Rita Henley Williams, 68, of Saratoga, died Friday, September 15, 2023, in the arms of her beloved daughter, Heather. She was born on January 17, 1955, in Silsbee, Texas to Ruby Carlile Henley and Gilbert E. Henley.

Rita was a life-long resident of the Silsbee area and a graduate of Silsbee High School. As an adult, Rita and her dad joked that his position with the Texas Highway Department seriously hindered her ability to get into trouble in high school because his work routes always coincided with her location when she wasn’t where she was supposed to be. Rita began her distinguished career at the Pines Theater in Silsbee where she served up tickets and snacks for family-friendly movies, and she served as a waitress at the Wagon Wheel Café. She then worked as a legal secretary for Kountze attorney Dwayne Overstreet for more than 30 years, handling a variety of legal and real estate responsibilities and developing a lasting kinship with Dwayne and his family. Rita also contributed to the successful launch and operation of an oil field business in Saratoga. Rita was a devoted mother and grandmother, known as “Hey-You” to her granddaughters, Trista and Darci. She actively participated in their daily lives and was responsible for every ounce of magic in their childhood. She was especially grateful to her son-in-law, Colt for taking excellent care of her, her daughter, and granddaughters, and for becoming the son she never had. Regardless if one ran into Rita as a waitress, on the dance floor at Daddy Long Legs or at the county courthouse, she gifted people with a smile that would light up the darkest room. Although reserved, Rita was the most loyal and best friend or family member anyone could have, and those closest to her knew her to be incredibly wise.

Survivors include her daughter, Heather Williams and her husband, Colt Beaty, of Saratoga; grandchildren, Trista and Darci Beaty; sisters, Marilyn Nappier and her husband, Vance, of Granbury and Sonya Young and her husband, Todd, of Grapevine; a host of cousins; nieces and nephews, Matt, Jaime, Sissy, Ricky, and Ronnie; life-long best friend, Renee Bolejack and her husband, Dean, of Salt Lake City, Utah; longtime family friends, Royce Overstreet and family of Honey Island; and Debbie and “Eggy” Taylor of Saratoga. Rita is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved stepmother, June Stricklan Henley; early life partner, George Lee; the father of her daughter, Anthony Dean Williams; sister, Sherian Kaye Chappa; and brother, Ronnie Henley.

Rita expressed her grateful appreciation for anyone that had a hand in her health care journey in recent months and those that have had a hand in supporting Heather throughout the years.

A gathering of Rita’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Broussard’s, 530 West Monroe, Kountze. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 22, 2023, at Broussard’s, Kountze. A graveside memorial will be scheduled at a later date.

Pallbearers are Colt Beaty, Logan Carter, Dixie Collier, Vance Nappier, Royce Overstreet, Duane “The Kid” Robinson, “Eggy” Taylor, Travis Taylor, and Burnice Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Matt Burt, Matt Enloe, Harold Wayne Philyaw, and Warner “Unk” Triplett.