Mary Khlok Williams

Obituary

Mary Khlok Williams blessed the world on January 14, 1984. Born in Stockton, California, to Keadara Hem and Samonn Khlok, Mary spent most of her childhood and adult life in Sacramento, California, where she graduated from Foothill High School in 2002. She went on to attend UC Davis, where she pursued a degree in Microbiology. and reconnected with her Cambodian heritage through her involvement with the Khmer American Student Association. 

After earning her degree, Mary established her home in West Sacramento, working in food quality and quality assurance for over 18 years. She excelled in roles at Rice Bran Technologies, The Adams Group, and Blue Diamond Almond Growers. Her stellar career took her to exciting places—Mexico City, Berlin, New Jersey, New Orleans and Chicago, which was one of her favorite cities.

In April 2012, Mary’s life changed forever with the birth of her beautiful daughter, Evyn Nesai. The role of mother became her greatest joy and purpose, only deepened with the birth of her beloved son, Roland Serei, in October 2014. She loved every little moment with her kids from playing in the backyard jungle gym, singing in the car, playing board games and VR, strolling in the neighborhood, water balloon fights, smashing them in dodgeball, cookie-eating and decorating, just to name a few activities. Her two children inspired her resilience and gave her the strength to beat breast cancer into remission following her diagnosis in 2016.

Mary embodied the spirit of a fiercely independent hustler and boss b*tch. She balanced a thriving and successful career with a wide range of personal passions—hiking, traveling, gardening, painting, quilting, baking, cooking, binge-watching k-dramas and c-dramas, reading historical biographies, and cheering for the Sacramento Kings, San Francisco 49ers, Boston Red Sox and most importantly, her children. A gifted creator, Mary shared her talents and time generously with everyone around her. She was an immeasurably selfless host, even if sometimes annoyed, opening her home and her kitchen for family gatherings. Her warmth and joy made every guest feel truly welcome.

In 2019, she fulfilled a dream by purchasing her forever home in Roseville, California, where she would ultimately be laid to rest. On November 7, 2024, Mary passed away after a courageous fight with breast cancer. She leaves behind her cherished children, Evyn Nesai Williams (12) and Roland Serei Williams (10), her parents, Samonn Khlok and Keadara Hem, and her siblings, Viwath Ith, Sopheary Giese, David Khlok, Anira Giarrusso-Khlok, countless nieces and nephews (Rheia, Emdina, Jacob, Bodhi, Solomon and Damon) and her fur babies, HenReRe and MoChi-Chi. We will forever miss Mary—her warmth, light, laughter, and her strong yet graceful presence.