Isabella "Belle" Pescud Williams Smith

May 16, 1943 - August 7, 2023

Isabella "Belle" Pescud Williams Smith, 80, died on Monday, August 7, 2023, in her home in Roanoke, VA. Born on May 16, 1943, in Raleigh, NC, she was the daughter of Ruth Long and Peter Pescud Williams.

Belle's artistic talents were seen in her award-winning flower arrangements and her long history as an accomplished pianist. At St. John's Episcopal Church, she was a founding member of the St. Cecilia Handbells (40 years), chairman of the Altar Guild, and a member of the vestry. She was a graduate of Ravenscroft School; Broughton High School, where she was the co-valedictorian; St. Mary's School in Raleigh, NC, and Sweet Briar College.

Her leadership roles include past president of the Mill Mountain Garden Club, past chairman of the Roanoke Committee for the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, and member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's School and the Board of the Roanoke Symphony.

She was a sustaining member of the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley and a member of the Roanoke Assembly and the Modern Arts Club. She volunteered for the Discovery Shop and the RAM Shelter for the Homeless.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ruth Long and Peter Pescud Williams, and a brother, Peter Pescud Williams Jr.

She is survived by her husband, William Ware Smith Jr.; a brother, Mason Long Williams and his wife, Catherine Shaw Williams, of Raleigh; a daughter, Elizabeth Arrington Bruner Smith Widerquist and her husband, Karl Widerquist, of New Orleans; a daughter, Ruth Mason Smith Custard and her husband, William Allen Custard III, of Dallas; a son, William Ware Smith III and his wife, Alison Fisher Smith, of Beaufort, NC; a nephew and a niece, Peter Pescud Williams II and Sarah Heath Williams; and six grandchildren, Isabella Willis Pescud Custard, William Allen Custard IV, Franklin Pitts Custard, William Ware Smith IV, Ruth Andersen Smith, and Elisabeth Sailor Smith.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated caregivers of Good Samaritan Hospice.

The Funeral Service will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 11, 2023, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 1 Mountain Ave., SW, Roanoke, VA 24016 with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Saint Mary's School, 900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service, Downtown Chapel, Roanoke (540) 982-2100.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Aug. 9 to Aug. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Isabella Smith

Sponsored by Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel.

9 Entries

George Meredith

September 16, 2023

A very talented lady, with very talented survivors. She meant so much to so many of us.
George Meredith, MD/`62

John Duke and Cynthia Anthony VMI Class of 1962

August 14, 2023

Dear Ware, Cynthia and I are devastated to hear of Belle´s passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to you, your children, and grandchildren. Belle was a remarkably beautiful person inside and out, and such an inspiration to so many. We remarked for years on end about our knowing of no more gracious as well as warm, personable, and elegant a woman in our lives. We will always treasure our time with you and Belle, especially at your home and your coming to visit me in the hospital at Salem, as well as your and her longer than expected gracious hosting of Cynthia and our poodle while I was under care there, in addition to our hosting your daughter at our home in Washington.

Belle was the ultimate hostess and friend at a very difficult time then, as were you. We remember so fondly our many conversations, including your and Belle´s extolling of Barbados, with the result that it became one of our favorite places, too. Belle will be forever in our thoughts and hearts. We hope to see you in Lexington in November. John Duke and Cynthia Anthony, VMI Class of 1962.

Martha M. Brumfield

August 14, 2023

I am heartbroken to learn of Belle's death....I had no idea she was ill and had spoken to her just a few weeks ago at which time she sounded great! My most sincere condolences to her dear husband, Ware, and to her entire family . It was a privilege to have been her friend and I shall never forget her.

Martha Brumfield La Canada, CA (formerly of Roanoke, VA)

Kakie yelverton

August 11, 2023

We are devastated over Belles sudden death . She was one of my first friends in Roanoke and we played cards and nurses our first born together . She was a lovely Southern lady . Our deepest sympathy to all her family and especially her grandchildren .

Gerald & pat

August 10, 2023

Ware, we were shocked and so very sorry to hear of Belle's passing.
We always enjoyed the company of both of you.
I can't say how much she will be missed by everyone.

Edmund Strickler, '62

August 10, 2023

Ware, I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and your family during this time.

Emmett Haywood

August 9, 2023

What a lovely, vibrant, bright person!
Belle, I will miss working with you.

Jerry Burnett,'62

August 9, 2023

Ware, I am so distressed about Belle's passing. I lost me wife, Sandy, in 1980 and I can feel your pain. In the spirit, Jerry Burnett