Helen Reniff Williams

Helen Reniff (Willie) Williams, 90, formerly of Troutville, Va., passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 19, 2010. She was born on October 31, 1919, in McLean, N.Y., in the family home of three generations before her. She was the daughter of Anna Begent and Ernest G. Reniff. After growing up on the family farm and cider mill, she graduated from Cornell University in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She taught High School Science in New York until she married her beloved Floyd E. Williams Jr., of Rye, N.Y., on November 14, 1942.
During her marriage, she was employed by both Bethlehem Steele and General Electric as a Quality Control Lab Technician.
Her marriage to Floyd lasted 51 years and marked her life with precious memories, steadfast love, and companionship. This treasured union was evident to all until Floyd's death in 1993. The career she most cherished was that of being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She and Floyd raised two children, Mark and Marjorie.
During their life and Floyd's career as an Electrical Engineer for General Electric, they called many places home: Bethlehem, Pa., Schenectady, N.Y., Lynn, Mass., Erie, Pa., and finally to the beautiful mountains of Virginia. Their home was always filled with love, laughter, family, friends, pets, and unconditional love.
Early in her married life, her friends nicknamed her "Willie." The nickname stuck and she was affectionately called Willie by all who knew and loved her throughout her life. Her passion for gardening was show cased year round. Both her yard and home were always filled with beautiful color. She enjoyed local gardening clubs, Eastern Star, and played an active role in church and local politics. She was an avid swimmer and later in life was very active in water aerobics. She was extremely independent and hardships for her were easily overcome by her faith and love of God. With humor, intellect, and faith, she lived each day fully, laughing and loving all those around her. Her clear blue eyes and smile will shine through the memories of all who knew her. She will be remembered for her innumerable talents and strengths, which she shared so easily. She will be deeply missed by everyone blessed enough to call her mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd E. Williams Jr.; her son, Mark R. Williams; and her brother, Roger B. Reniff.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Marjorie and Rudy Fischer, of Huntersville, N.C.; her beloved Cathy and Bob Pinkard, of Roanoke, Va.; her grandchildren, Jacob Williams and wife, Miriam, Joshua Williams and wife, Jenny, of Roanoke, Va., and Job Williams, of Roanoke, Va.; great-granddaughter, Mary Andrew Williams, of Augusta, Ga.; and her nieces and nephew in New York.
Memorials can be made to the Bradley Free Clinic, 1240 Third Street, SW, Roanoke, Va. 24016.
A Funeral Service will be held 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, at Oakey's East Chapel with the Rev. Donald W. Chichester officiating. Interment will follow in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday prior to the funeral from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Oakey's East Chapel, 540-977-3909.