March 29, 2024

Mieko Shinohara Williams

Jan. 12, 2018

Mieko Shinohara Williams, 82, of Colfax, died Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, surrounded by her loved ones. A funeral service was Tuesday, Jan. 16 at the First Baptist Church in Colfax, with burial at Colfax Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church in Colfax and condolences may be left for the family at coburnfuneralhomes.com.

The daughter of Chiyoko and Tokitaro Shinohara, Mieko was born Nov. 5, 1935, in Kyoto, Japan. On July 17, 1954, she was united in marriage to David Cambridge Williams of Colfax, while he was in Japan serving in the United States Marine Corps. In November 1955, Mieko, along with their infant daughter, Mary, traveled to Portland, Ore., where David was already stationed, to begin a new life. Mieko and David lived in several states, including North Carolina and Georgia, while David served in the Marine Corps. While in North Carolina, they had two more daughters, Willow and Carol. In 1967, David retired after 24 years of service and they moved to Colfax, to be near family.

Mieko worked as a talented, sought-after floral designer in the Des Moines area. She was known for her creative fashion as well as her love of jewelry and all things sparkly. She was a 50+ year member of the First Baptist Church, where she was involved with the Ladies Mission Circle. She was also a member of the Colfax Red Hats Society (Mineral Belles), P.E.O. Chapter B.A., and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed bowling in her younger years, playing cards, spending time at the Colfax Senior Citizen Center, crocheting and entertaining friends and family. She loved to dance. Most of all, she loved spending time with family. Her family will remember her infectious laugh, perseverance, generosity and love for the Lord.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Mary (Donal) Hill, Willow (Steven) Patterson and Carol (Tony) Borts; seven grandchildren, Heather (Sim) Buckley, Holly (Charley) St. John, David (Julianne) Patterson, Stuart Patterson, Ryan (Megan) Borts, Mariah (David) Poyzer and Joseph (Sophia) Borts; and three great-grandchildren, Meleinna, Isabella and Kingston. Also surviving are a brother, Koichi and a sister, Hiroko, in Japan; as well as several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband in 1988; and infant son, David.