Marie Teresa Williams
April 4, 1966 ~ October 7, 2025
Marie Teresa Williams, 59, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on October 7, 2025, of pancreatic cancer. She was born on April 4, 1966, in Somerset, Pennsylvania, to Carole and Dan Sheftic.
Marie’s life was filled with creativity, compassion, and an unwavering love for music and community. She earned her Bachelors from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in Edinboro, PA, and later completed a Master’s degree in Sacred Music. Her passion for music and the arts touched countless lives, both through her performances and her generosity of spirit.
An accomplished musician and artist, Marie was an active and beloved member of the North Central Florida Blues Society, where she served on the Board of Directors. She was deeply devoted to promoting live music and supporting local artists, and her vibrant energy helped nurture a thriving creative community in Gainesville.
Marie is survived by her parents, Carole and Dan Sheftic; her brother, Michael Sheftic; her children, Eric Williams, Kathryn Nelson, and Jessica Williams; her cherished grandchildren, Jackson Williams, Ava Nelson, Wesley Nelson, and Iain Williams; and her life partner, Dr. Jules Gliesche.
Marie was loved by her family and friends, and her light will continue to shine through the art and music she created, the people she inspired, and the love she shared so freely.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 16, 2025. Please reach out to Kathryn Nelson at 252-435-7652 for details.
Crevasse’s Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Williams Family.
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For twenty years Marie was my jam and gig partner, my muse (who tried so hard to prove to me a thousand times that I could learn three chords on the piano) sang the sweetest harmony, the strongest lead, and wrote some songs that should have been on the radio. Loved her like a sister, and was in absolute awe of her ability to put pencil or brush to paper and make faces come alive. Miss you.