Thelma V. Williams

Thelma V. Williams, 89, of Johnson City, died Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at her residence. She was a former resident of Marion and had lived most of her life in Johnson City. She was a daughter of the late W. Marco and Gussie Musser Williams and was also preceded in death by one sister, Levena Evans, and one brother, W. Marco "Bud" Williams Jr. She was a former beautician and a lifelong homemaker. She attended First Christian and Downtown Christian churches in Johnson City and was a Methodist. Survivors include two daughters, Dina Richardson of Johnson City and Peggy A. Bentley of Gray; five grandchildren, Bret Richardson and his wife, Missie, of Johnson City, Peggy L. Bentley of Johnson City, Melvin Bentley of Johnson City, Michael Bentley and his wife, Cindy, of Drexel, N.C., and Jamie Strickler of Johnson City; three great-grandchildren, Hunter Richardson, Brandon Bentley and Alex Bentley; two great-great-grandchildren, Hunter Bentley and Halli Bentley; one sister, Ethel Jacovitch of Bedford; several nieces and nephews; and her special companions, Lacey and K.C. A funeral service was conducted at 8 p.m. Friday, June 26, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home North Chapel with the Rev. Brett Jones officiated. Graveside services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday at Rose Lawn Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, Marion, under the direction of the Rev. Eddie Beck. The family received friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Bret Richardson, Melvin Bentley, Michael Bentley, Jamie Strickler, Alex Bentley and Brandon Bentley. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Jones, John Webb II and John Webb III. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Washington County Animal Shelter, 525 Sells Ave., Johnson City, TN 37604. Online condolences may be made through www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Johnson City, is in charge of arrangements.