Mary Williams

1937 - 2025

Mary (Ballou) Williams

July 12, 1937 - January 26, 2025

Mary Ballou Williams of Richmond, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025 surrounded by her children and close family.

"Boo" to her close friends and grandchildren, Mary Ballou was known for her vivacious spirit, sparkling wit, kindness and generosity. She loved people of all ages and had friends across generations. She drew strength from the many loving people in her life, especially her "Moonies" (friends who shared her zodiac sign). Her quiet strength and unassuming courage during life's most challenging moments continue to inspire and encourage everyone who knew her.

Born July 12, 1937 in Lynchburg, VA to Louise Ballou and Stafford Odell Handy. She is survived by her sister, Sarah Handy Pillsbury; three of her four children, Edward R. Stettinius (Sarah), Mary Stuart Stettinius, Richard Roland Reynolds (Diana); and her grandchildren, Isabel S. Stettinius, Alexander T. Stettinius, Edward R Stettinius, Jr, Lucy H. Stettinius, India A. Reynolds, H. Samuel Reynolds, Anthony A. Benevento and Francesca B. Benevento. She is also survived by seven stepchildren, Virginia Reynolds Parker, J. Sargeant Reynolds, Jr., Elizabeth Reynolds Daus, John D. Williams, Jr., Teresa Williams Darden, David L. Williams, and Mildred Williams Marsico.

She was predeceased by her husbands, John D. Williams, Michael Ballentine, J. Sargeant Reynolds and Joseph Stettinius. She was also predeceased by her son, Joseph Stettinius, Jr., his wife, Regina Travers Stettinius and her sister, Stuart Handy Witt (Luke).

Mary Ballou graduated from Stuart Hall School before attending Sweet Briar College where she majored in art history. She was always a self-described "ferocious" reader who loved history and travel. When she moved to Richmond in 1958, she brought these passions along with her life-long commitment to service and community.

In Richmond, she served on several boards and committees including Historic Richmond Foundation, Historic Garden Week, The James River Garden Club, the Massey Cancer Center, Children's Hospital, the Valentine Museum and the Junior League of Richmond. She was a lifelong supporter of the Richmond Ballet, the Richmond Opera and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts where she was a former docent. She particularly loved Christmas; serving as the Richmond Christmas Mother in 2001 which she considered one of the highest honors of her life. Many will also remember her legendary Christmas parties that were full of love and laughter.

Mary Ballou was loved by many and will be deeply missed. We take comfort in the wonderful memories that she created. Her legacy will live on in the love she shared and the joy she brought to our lives.

A memorial service will take place in Richmond at St. Stephen's Church, 6000 Grove Avenue on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 2 p.m., followed by a reception at the Country Club of Virginia, 6031 St. Andrews Lane.

There will be a livestream of the service at: www.ststephensrva.org/memorial-stream.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Mary Ballou Reynolds Williams Memorial Fund at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. https://www.reynolds.edu/givenow.