Virginia Williams

1918 - 2013

VIRGINIA SMITH WILLIAMS

On the evening of Sunday, October 6, 2013, Virginia Smith Williams, age 95, passed away in Mayo Clinic Hospital, surrounded by family. She has been a resident of Milton for 50 years. Virginia was born March 1, 1918 in Sylacauga, Alabama to James Lewin Smith and Bessie M. Smith, deceased, as the first of eight children. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Calvin L. Smith, William Lorenzo Smith, James L. Smith and her sisters, Emily Marlene Atwell, and Annie Mae Florance.

Virginia is survived by an only daughter, Gale H. Thames of Milton, Florida. Surviving siblings include: Alda Miller Underwood of Atlanta, Georgia and Thomas S. Smith of Ponce de Leon, Florida. Surviving grandchildren include: Richard R. Thames (Sharon), Jacksonville, Florida, Angela Walker (Billy), Pensacola, Florida, James Rufus Thames (Patricia), Boston, Massachusetts and Emily Tuten (Christopher), Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Surviving great grandchildren include: James E. Martin III, Thomas Thames Martin, Meghann Emily Martin, Maxwell Rufus Martin, Lauren Astley Thames, Emily Gale Thames, William Richard Thames, Grace Virginia Thames, Amelia James Thames and Ruby Jean Tuten.

The deceased was married to William Bryan Hyde, deceased, for twenty-five years. While married they resided in Sylacauga, Alabama, Ponce de Leon, Florida, Panama City, Florida and Dothan, Alabama. After Bryan's death, she married Joseph Mack Williams of Milton, Florida.

Virginia received her degree in Business Education at Florida State University. She taught business education classes at Holmes County High School and Milton High School. Most of her friends would describe her as a witty and strong southern lady. She had a special love of gardening, sewing, and decorating which kept her busy after she retired from helping with the family business, Mack Williams Furniture and Appliance, later known as Dockside Antiques, on Broad Street in Milton.

The family would like to thank the many doctors who cared for her including Dr. Dennis Mayeaux, Dr. Peter Syzmoniak, and Dr. John Salvaggio. She had wonderful caretakers including Julie Jorgenson, Kimberly Millar and Sarah Lunsford. The family wishes to thank Roberta Temple, Zee Christopher, and other friends at Margaret Street Church of Christ who were such a comfort to her. A special thanks is offered to Pat Lunsford, her niece, who gave her constant support.

Pallbearers to serve include: Charles A. Atwell, Jr., Michael Atwell, Thomas Smith, Jr., Jim Smith, Jay Martin, Tommy Martin, Ricky Thames, Joe King, Jack Locklin, Jr., John Pace, Rick Bird and Richard McCool.

Visitation for friends and family will be on Friday, October 11, 2013 at Milton Chapel of Lewis Funeral Home, 6405 U.S. Hwy 90, Milton, FL 32570 (850-623-2243), from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Services will be held in Milton Chapel of Lewis Funeral Home on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. with Preston Silcox officiating. Burial will be at Bonifay Cemetery, Bonifay, Florida at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Benevolence Ministry at Margaret Street Church of Christ, 6745 Margaret Street, Milton, Florida 32570.