Elizabeth Kesler "Beth" Williams

WILLIAMS Elizabeth "Beth" Kesler Williams, 42, of Midlothian, lost her 10 year courageous battle with breast cancer on Sunday, November 5, 2006. She was born on February 11, 1964 in Winchester, Virginia, the daughter of William and Suzanne Kesler. Beth spent most of her life in Virginia. She graduated from Warren County High School in 1982, James Madison University in 1986 and received her law degree from the T.C. Williams School of Law in 1989. She spent the majority of her professional career working the lottery industry worldwide. She loved her job, the travel opportunities and the people she worked with over the years. After her cancer diagnosis, Beth worked tirelessly with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and was instrumental in getting several key pieces of state and federal legislation passed. She was invited to the Clinton White House twice for her efforts. She also worked to raise awareness of breast cancer in younger women and helped the Massey Cancer Center over the years. Beth was preceded in death by her father, William Kesler; her paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Kesler Sr.; and her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Baldwin. Beth is survived by her mother, Suzanne Kesler; her loving and devoted husband, C. James Williams III (Jim); and four beautiful young children, Chase, Maddie, Mac and Patrick. Of everything in her life, she was most proud of her children and loved them more than anything. She was a great Mom who loved to bake cookies, volunteer at their school and take them to their activities. Also surviving are her stepdaughter, Alexa Williams; her aunt, Janet Evans; her father-in- law, C. J. Williams Jr.; sister, Katherine Barber and family; sister-in-law, Suzanne Garner and family; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind many dear friends, extended family members and neighbors who were all so important in her life. A Celebration of Beth's life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 11551 Lucks Lane, Midlothian. Beth asked that attendees dress casually. In lieu of flowers, Beth requested that donations be made to the Elizabeth Kesler Williams Evergreen Field of Dreams Fund, c/o Leslie Haley, P.O. Box 32, Midlothian, Virginia 23113. Beth and Jim started this fund to renovate and add lights to the fields at Evergreen Elementary School where their children attend school and hundreds of others practice football, baseball and softball.