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Jane WIlliams Obituary

Jane Byington WIlliams

Oak Ridge - Williams, Jane Byington of Oak Ridge died October 17, 2020. Mrs. Williams was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge. She loved reading, Times crossword puzzles, music and served as a member and soloist in the church choir.

Mrs. Williams was the daughter of Ethel Brimer Byington and Commander Moses Brownlow Byington Jr. Both the Brimer and Byington families settled in the Karns area at the turn of the twentieth century. Mrs. Williams' grandfather, Moses Byington Sr. was a Knox County commissioner and was responsible for obtaining the original Solway Bridge which replaced the old ferry. He was also able to use his influence to have a school (named Karns after a local educator) established in the Beaver Ridge community which was later named Byington, now Karns. A historical marker in his honor was recently placed near the old Byington homesite.

Mrs. Williams graduated from Karns High School and the University of Tennessee, later receiving her MA from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky. She retired from the Knox County school system after having taught English, Latin and Speech at Karns High School. She then completed her career at Webb Middle School, again teaching English and Latin. Many of her students continued their study of these subjects in college, reflecting Mrs. Williams' love of language by becoming educators themselves.

After her retirement Mrs. Williams was active in various volunteer endeavors, including many church activities. Some of her special delights were re-establishing the church library, teaching Sunday School lessons about C.S. Lewis, participating in Bosnian resettlement, and driving for FISH. She was active in ORICL (Oak Ridge Institute for Continued Learning) where she led a study of C.S. Lewis and his writings, and coordinated the class "Shakespeare Out Loud." Mrs. Williams especially enjoyed visiting with former students, and attending their reunions and luncheons.

Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her husband, Teddy Harrison Williams, and her parents, Commander Moses Byington Jr. and Ethel Brimer Byington. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Anne Yarbrough of Clarksville, TN, son Robert Lykens and his wife Sheree of Newnan GA; stepson Albert Williams of Oak Ridge, and stepson Teddy J. Williams and his wife Elaine of Lilburn, GA. Surviving grandchildren are Scott Lykens and his wife Cheryl of Knoxville, Stephen Yarbrough of Clarksville, Sharon Yarbrough of Clarksville, Drew Lykens and his wife Valene of Huntsville, Alabama, Collin Lykens and his wife Jessica of Marietta, Georgia, Matthew Williams of Clinton, and Peyton Williams of Lilburn; great-grandchildren Charles Roman Yarbrough of Clarksville, Savannah Marie Yarbrough of Clarksville, and Xander Williams of Clinton. Also surviving are Mrs. Williams' sister, Amanda Byington Cate of Chattanooga TN and her children Ralph, Jane, Nancy, Tom and their families. Also surviving are dear cousins Melville Rhoten Byington and his wife Harriett of Daytona Beach, FL and sister-in-law Peggy Stachura and her husband Jim of Gaithersburg, MD.

The family will receive friends at Grace Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 22. Following a memorial service with the Reverend Boudon presiding, Mrs. Williams' ashes will be interred at the church memorial garden. Memorials may be made to the Keystone Adult Day Care Center at First Methodist Church in Oak Ridge or to the Becky Ball Scholarship Fund at Grace Lutheran Church, 131 Gettysburg Ave., Oak Ridge TN 37830.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Oct. 19 to Oct. 21, 2020.
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4 Entries

I had Mrs. Williams for English. She was a sweet women and a lot of fun. My prayers and condolences to her family.

Jeff Davis

Student

December 16, 2020

Hey, Janie. This is Fred and Sharon. Amanda was going to tell me about your service, but she forgot. We couldn't have come anyway, because of the coronavirus and Sharon's susceptibility. You know we'd been there, otherwise. I remember your playing with us as children in your homestead's front yard on Beaver Ridge Road, near the high school. I have the 1953 Beacon, and your picture pops out. You are glamorous just like your mother. I still have the family photos you entrusted me with. I wished I had asked more questions about some of them. We will miss you. And I'll always remember you on the 17th, because that was my dad's birthday (1913). You probably remember staying at our old farmhouse when you and Amanda were little. Well, I'd better wind up, because I'm running out of room here. We'll see you later.

Fred William Grove

Family

November 9, 2020

An amazing teacher who impacted so many.My Condolences to all her family

Valerie Garner

Student

October 22, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss of such a great lady. She will be missed. Prayers for you all. I really enjoyed our long talks when I worked evening shift at Watercrest. I have since then transferred to day shift and think of her often. God bless you all.

Rhonda Chapman

Friend

October 21, 2020

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2:00 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Church

Oak Ridge, TN

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