Elizabeth Ann (Williams) Bakke

Elizabeth Ann (Williams) Bakke joined her husband I.M. Bakke, Jr. on December 12, 2024. Liz came into this world on February 15, 1946 in Cleburne, Texas, the second child of William Carl Williams, Sr. and Loutrice Robertson Williams. 

Liz helped take care of her siblings in their early years. As soon as she was big enough to stand in a chair at the stove, she cooked for her brothers and sister. The kitchen was her favorite room, both at home and at the church, where she assured no one left hungry. 

She met Junior in Iredell, Texas where he sang in the choir (at least during their courtship), but it seems a game of touch football sealed the deal for him, and they married on June 15, 1963. Together they raised two daughters, Brenda and Lori. After the girls married, she not so patiently waited for grandchildren, and delighted in trips to visit her grandchildren. She cherished holidays, birthdays, school events, trips, and summers serving together at Vacation Bible School. 

Faith in God, attendance at church and ministry in the community drove Liz throughout her life. Potluck suppers, dinner on the grounds, ice cream socials, Vacation Bible School, grieving families, wedding parties, baby showers and the like found Liz cooking, baking, serving and cleaning up after church events. When someone had little or when tragedy struck a family, she gathered the troops and delivered groceries, clothing, household supplies and gifts. She also prayed without ceasing. Anyone who had a need knew she had a hotline to Jesus and implored her fervent prayers. This prayer life encouraged and supported people to the end, as she served as a confidant and prayer warrior at her senior living community to both her fellow residents and to staff. 

Liz was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, I.M. Bakke, Jr., her parents, Carl and Loutrice Williams, and her brothers, Carl Jr. and Frank Williams. Brenda and Lori succeed her, along with their families and two siblings. Her immediate family includes Brenda Bakke Shuttlesworth, her husband Bill and sons Collin and Kelvon, Lori Bakke Burney, her husband Dr. Derek Burney and children, Braden and Kamerann, her brother, Johnny Williams, and her sister, Naomi Doty. Many others, including two sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends remain to cherish her life and legacy. 

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Cityview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fort Worth for their loving care. 

The family invites you to join them for her celebration of life at 10:00 A.M., Friday, December 20, 2024 in the Crosier -Pearson Cleburne Chapel. A graveside service immediately follows at Rosehill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – North Central Texas Chapter at 2630 West Freeway, Suite 100, Fort Worth, Texas 76102 or online at www.alz.org.