Betty Jane "BJ" Williams

Williams, Betty Jane BJ (nee Tarlton) who was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend to many, died on Friday, June 5, 2009 at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis County. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Williams was born on August 4, 1923 to Leota Schaefer Tarlton and G.L. Tarlton. Her only sister Mary Louise Tarlton was born in 1912 and preceded her in death at an early age. Mrs. Williams spent her early childhood in the Signal Hill area of Belleville, IL. Mrs. Williams attended Mary Institute, The Northampton School for Girls, and Smith College. When their children went away to school, Mr. and Mrs. Williams started the Pappagallo Shop in Ladue. This long-standing St. Louis favorite spawned a chain of the stores and spin-offs including Poppy's Patch and Goodbuys. These stores were also part of the evolution of the St. Louis catalog company Knights/Williams Corporation which published City Spirit, Knights Ltd., and Papillion Catalogs which were ultimately associated with the creation of Home Decorator's Collection and Soft Surroundings Catalogs. Mrs. Williams lived a long, fun-filled life and particularly loved spending time with family and friends, skiing, playing bridge, and world travel. Mrs. Williams is survived by W. Grant Williams II, her husband of 64 years and by her children, Margaret P. Williams (Philip G. George) of St. Louis and W. Grant Williams III (Michelle T. Williams) of St. Louis and Mougins, France and by six grandchildren: Laura George Dunaway (Matthew), Margaret Cobb George, Philip Locke George (fiancee Margaret W. Terry), Betty Tarlton (Tallie) Williams, Kimberly Paige Williams, and Lillian Claire (Lilly Claire) Williams. Services: A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 9 at 4:00 p.m. at Saint Peter's Episcopal Church at 101 North Warson Road at Ladue Road. Private Inurnment. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any donations be made in Mrs. Williams' name to Saint Peter's Episcopal Church, St. Luke's Hospital, or The Mary Institute Saint Louis County Day School. A LUPTON CHAPEL SERVICE.