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Wanda Williams Obituary
Knoxville - Wanda Williams, wife of WBIR Anchor Emeritus Bill Williams passed away October 26, 2019 after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 74 years old
Everyone loved Wanda. Because Wanda loved everyone. She was a lovely human being with a beauty that captured your heart with the sparkle of her bright blue eyes, the purity of her shy smile and her soft soothing voice. Everyone who knew Wanda knew she was a sweet, giving, loving soul who put everyone's wants and needs ahead of her own.
Wanda was born August 2, 1945 to Dan and Thelma Shaver of Knoxville. When she was just a toddler, the family moved to the Gibbs Community where Wanda would spend her formative years.
She often commented that she went in one end of Gibbs School as a first grader, and came out the other end a graduating high school senior.
Wanda attended the University of Tennessee, at the same time working for Retail Credit Corporation. She moved on to become an Executive Assistant at TVA, and then moving from there to the Tennessee Center for Research and Development and finally to the office of Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale.
Wanda was a protege of County Commissioner Mary Lou Horner, and with Mary Lou became very active in local Republican politics. Mary Lou introduced Wanda to Central Baptist Church of Fountain City and walked down the aisle with her in December 1977 when Wanda placed her membership in that church.
In April, 1983 Mary Lou had another introduction for Wanda. She introduced her to Bill Williams. After dating for a week, the two became engaged and were married July 23, 1983.
Apart from the responsibilities Wanda had at her place of employment, she felt her most important job was taking care of her family. She loved and carefully guided her children, and later said her grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life. Wanda loved big family dinners and was the consummate hostess at special holiday feasts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Michael Williams; stepson, Mark Williams; and two sisters, Imogene Shelby and Shirley Carter; also a special Aunt Tennie Davis.
Survivors include her husband, Bill Williams; stepdaughter, Marcelene Edwards (David) of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter, Angelique Thomas (Wes); grandchildren Riley and Mallory Thomas; daughter-in-law, Crystal Williams Rosecrance (Matt, and their daughter Harper) and granddaughter, Billie Williams, all of Knoxville. Also survived by her sister Barbara Jurczak of Chattanooga; a very special brother-in-law Johnny Carter of Knoxville and many nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends Monday, October 28, 2019 from 5:00pm-7:00pm with a 7:00pm service at Central Baptist Church Fountain City. The services will be conducted by Reverend Ron Mouser & Reverend Bob Robinson. Burial will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2019, 3:00pm at Lynnhurst Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church of Fountain City, or the Mission of Hope.
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Williams family and invites you to view and sign the online registry at www.gentrygriffey.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wanda Williams
Sponsored by Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel - Knoxville.
MARVIN & KATHY MITCHELL
October 30, 2019
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Marvin & Kathy Mitchell, Little Valley Baptist Church, Blaine, TN
October 30, 2019
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Melanie Kron
October 29, 2019
Bill and Angelique,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. She is at peace with her heavenly father and suffering no more. And there is joy in knowing that you will see her again one day. May God bless and comfort all of you.
Tom Morgan
October 29, 2019
What a lovely lady she was. It was an honor to know her.
Wanda Gillenwater
October 28, 2019
A blessed friend will be missed
Cindy Booker
October 28, 2019
To the entire Williams family our prayers are with you. Wanda was definitely one of a kind. A beautiful heart and spirit. God be with you.
Linda Chatham
October 28, 2019
I met Wanda when she worked for Shelby Mutual and joined the Insurance Women of Knoxville. We went to several conventions together. Then Wanda and Mary Lou got me involved with Fountain City Town Hall. Wanda was a wonderful woman whom I respected greatly. She always had a gentleness about her and was so kind to everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bill and her family during this difficult time.
Mike Ragsdale
October 27, 2019
Wanda was absolutely one of the most kind, compassionate and giving people that I have ever known. It was a true joy and pleasure to work with her. Most importantly, it was one of lifes great blessings to be her friend. Alison and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Bill and the family. We will miss you our wonderful friend.
Carolyn Phibbs
October 27, 2019
Will miss see Wanda's smile and wave when she was able to come outside for the mail or to look over your "green thumb" beautiful flower areas in front of your home. Please know that if you need anything at any time of day or night to please call. Maybe we can become walking partners when I take Lexie around the neighborhood. Really really sorry for your loss Mr. Williams. You are in my prayers....
Carolyn Phibbs
Brian & Shari Holt
October 27, 2019
Wanda was such a loving soul and we are proud to have called her friend.
Bill and Family, you are in our hearts and prayers.
Brian & Shari Holt
October 27, 2019
Wanda was such a loving soul, and we were lucky to call her friend.
To Bill and family, our deepest condolences to you. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers.
October 27, 2019
I worked with Wanda at Tennessee Center for Research and Developement. Wanda was always so sweet. and kind with never a harsh word to say of anyone. My dear friend I will miss you so very much . My God give Bill and your family peace during their time of grief knowing they will see you again. Karen Hodge
James "Jamie" Haun
October 27, 2019
Bill and Family' So sorry to hear of Mrs. Williams passing. You guys are a big part of Knoxville and our friends. #Prayers
Danny Lyons
October 27, 2019
I worked with Wanda during the Ragsdale years & she was really nice to me, everybody loved Wanda. I will be out of town & unable to attend the services, but my prayers are with Bill & the family.
RIP, Wanda.
Karen Sue Golden
October 26, 2019
I have known Wanda from the First Grade at Gibbs Elementary School and went to school following the next grade, a Senior.
We graduated in the same class and it was very good to be her friend up until her death.
We had texted on our cell phones when she told me about her Pancreas Cancer.
She seemed so calm about it always was like that. Wanda was a dear friend. Enjoyed going to school with her.
Karen Sue (Hubbs) Golden
Carolyn Harrison
October 26, 2019
Bill and Angelique, I am so sorry to hear about Wanda. I know that you have a huge hole in your heart's. But just hold to the fact that she is at peace, and that you will see her and Michael again. Wanda was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She always had that beautiful smile and a kind word for everyone. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am not physically able to come to the service, but my heart and thoughts will be with you.
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