Miriam Gilbart WILLIAMS

WILLIAMS, Miriam Gilbart

88, of St. Petersburg, departed her earthly life to join the Lord Dec. 17, 2014. Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Eugene "Gene" L. Williams Jr. and their children: Finnette Fabrick, of Gainesville; Martha Williams Thurman (Ed), Michael E. Williams, and David G. Williams (Lesli), of St. Petersburg; and seven grandchildren: Elena Fabrick and Nathan Fabrick (Holly); Lt. Colonel Jeremy Gilkes (Virginia) and Jessica Stofan (Kevin); Dr. Cameron Williams Swanick (Patrick), Kendall Williams, and Carson Williams; and 10 great-grandchildren; several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Miriam's ancestors helped settle St. Petersburg more than a century ago, making the Gilbart family early pioneers of the city. Her grandfather, Harold W. Gilbart, arrived from London to St. Petersburg in 1884. Miriam was born Dec. 15, 1926 to Oscar and Finnette Gilbart at Faith Hospital (later renamed St. Anthony's Hospital) in St. Petersburg. She is predeceased by her two sisters, Finnette Gilbart deLormier and Joanne Gilbart Summer.

Miriam was a 1944 graduate of St. Petersburg High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Class Vice President and head cheerleader. Later that year, she was named Miss St. Petersburg. In 1948, she received her bachelor's degree in education from Miami University in Oxford, OH, where she was a cheerleader and president of her Chi Omega sorority.

After graduation, Miriam moved back to St. Petersburg and married Gene Williams on July 9, 1949. Prior to her marriage, she taught home economics at Clearwater High School. In the early years of their marriage, they moved several times within Florida, keeping up with Gene's business career.

In 1957, Gene and Miriam became members of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg. Miriam was an active member and in 1979 she served as the church's first female Senior Warden. She also served for many years as a Group Discussion Leader with Bible Study Fellowship. She was a member of the St. Pete Yacht Club and also enjoyed tennis, bridge, cooking and was an avid sports fan, especially for the Florida Gators.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am Saturday, Dec. 27, at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, 1200 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg, followed by a Celebration of Life reception in the church's Parish Hall. Interment will be a private service held at Memorial Park Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Thomas' Episcopal Church. Online donations can be made at www.memorial-donations.org. For complete obituary and to sign the family's personalized online guestbook, visit:

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