Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Barbara Wertz Williams
1940 - 2025
BORN
1940
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Barbara Williams Obituary
November 8, 1940 - November 15, 2025
Barbara Wertz Williams, 85, of Salem, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Barbara Wertz fell in love with J. Alwood Williams when they met while attending Andrew Lewis High School; they were happily married for 61 years when he passed. Barbara and Al had two children whom they loved profusely: Mary Dee Williams, of Fla. and James A. Williams, of Ca. Their family celebrated Thanksgiving together each year and were ever so thankful!
Barbara was the eldest child of Warren and Gertrude Wertz. In addition to her children, she leaves behind her siblings, Ferman Wertz and his wife, Peggy and Wayne Wertz and his wife, Pat; Deborah Huffman and husband, Michael, Robin (Nancy) Wertz and Carma Leigh (Cammie) Otey and husband, Eddy; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Barbara joins Al in heaven and looks forward to the rest of the family joining them in the future. In the meantime, says Barbara, "[I'm] sending love to my church pastors and friends of Bethel Baptist Church," Salem.
The family will welcome friends for a memorial visitation on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home and Crematory, Salem. A memorial service will begin at 7:00 p.m., in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Hilton Jeffries officiating.
Barbara – "Loved my travels especially with Al as we traveled to Israel with a wonderful group of people [and] walked where Jesus walked. No more taxes to pay, no more utility bills, car and homeowners insurance payments, gas bills, lawn mowing bills, etc."
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Williams
Sponsored by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory.
3 Entries
Masako M. Sloane
November 20, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Charles K.
November 19, 2025
I will miss telling Barbara the same joke. She always had a warm smile on her face. I just found out about Mr. Williams today, so I am reeling from all the great memories of growing up around the William's in the 80's (1980's). Jim and Dee, my deepest condolences.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Barbara Williams's name
Memorial Events
for Barbara Williams
Funeral services provided by:
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home & Crematory305 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153
How to support Barbara's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Barbara Williams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
