North Hornell, NY
Christine “Chris” Williams – 67 – of Cleveland Ave., North Hornell, died early Wednesday morning (July 2, 2025) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility following a long illness.
Born in New Albany, MS on July 29, 1957, she was the daughter of Elmer & Amanda (Boles) Folsom.
Chris resided in Mississippi until she was about 10 years old when her family moved north to the South Fallsburg, NY area. She was a graduate of Monticello Central High School (class of 1975) and later attended cosmetology school in Middletown, NY.
A talented photographer, Chris was employed for several years at the Concord Hotel in the Catskill Mountains photographing weddings, fashion shows and other events. She also became friends with Muhammad Ali and served as his personal photographer as he did much of his training for up-coming fights at the Concord Hotel.
For several years, Chris lived in Miami, FL where she served as a photographer and also worked at a high fashion store. She has resided in the Hornell area since 1993.
Chris was a “self-proclaimed homebody” who loved every kind of music, including R&B, Hip-Hop, Soul Music and the Blues. In her younger years she loved dancing — especially during the Disco Years and doing the “Hustle.”
A strong, out-spoken, free spirited woman, Chris liked to read fashion magazines and the Bible. She also enjoyed shooting pool, playing cards and dining on soul food along with “down-south cuisine” from Mississippi. Chris was a true “Survivor” who lived 25 years with just one lung. Doctors called her a “Miracle.”
She was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Dwight Folsom and Samuel Folsom; 2 sisters, Della Mae Folsom-Sheppard and Louise Fingers.
On April 20, 1985, Chris married Samuel “Sam” Williams who survives. Also surviving are her daughter, Ashley Williams of Canandaigua, NY; her step-son, Kory Williams of Atlanta, GA; 2 brothers, Willie Folsom of Holly Springs, MS and John Folsom of Ithaca, NY; 4 sisters, Lucille Herbent of Liberty, NY, Edith Sheppard of Pembroke Pines, FL, Claudette Folsom of Monticello, NY and Brenda Folsom of Chicago, IL; 2 grandchildren, December Williams and Jordan Williams; many nieces & nephews.
At Christine’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Chris’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York
(Johnson) Murphy of Hornell, NY; his children Erin (Oliver) Masaba of Pittsford, NY, Kristen (Andrew) Sweezy of Wellsville, NY, Tyler Johnson of Hornell, NY, and Brody (Cindy) Murphy of Hornell, NY. He was a proud Papa to Evelyn and Bennett Masaba, Alexandria, Salvatore, Vivianna Sweezy, and Emerick Johnson. He is also survived by his brothers Andrew (Marcia) Murphy of Beaumont, CA, Matthew (Kari) Murphy of Richmond, Virginia, and Shawn Murphy of Hornell, NY, as well as several nieces and nephews.
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Ignatius Loyal Church (Our Lady of the Valley Parish) and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She later attended St. Brendan’s Church of Almond and St. Mary’s Church of Dansville. Joanne was a devoted follower of Christ and a spiritual guide to her children. Joanne’s father helped build the wooden pews at St. Ignatius Loyal Church. All her children were baptized in the church, attended mass regularly, religious instruction class, participated in the church choir, were altar boys and helped with church grounds. Joanne’s unwavering faith in God was shown by her daily wearing of many crosses.
Joanne will fondly be remembered as being dedicated to her children and grandchildren. She could be described as a “Super Fan” and was not afraid to show her enthusiasm and cheerleading ability while watching their games. She could always be seen driving with her Red Raider gear and matching hair bows that earned her name “Grandma Bow-tie.” She was always holding up traffic honking her horn and/or sharing her goodie bag she had in her car with all of her angels. She was always the loudest fan and never missed a sporting event to cheer on her kids, grandkids, families and all of her loved ones. Although she was a lifelong super fan of Hornell, she loved to travel to Florida and Texas to stay with her kids and grandkids when she was able to.
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