Avis de décès de Edna-M. Williams - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

WILLIAMS, EDNA M. 92Edna Marie Wilson Williams age 92 of Melrose passed away at her home Friday, January 16, 2009. Edna moved to Melrose from Brazil, Indiana in 1949 with her five year old daughter, Linda. She became a florist, having the only shop in Melrose for three decades. Many in Melrose remember she made their prom corsages, wedding bouquets and families funeral flowers and well as holiday arrangements. She would work all night as well as long days for large events---almost a one woman show. Occasionally a good friend, Thelma Dampier, would help out by making bows or delivering flowers. Edna joined the Order of Eastern Star, Waldo 120 and was Worthy Matron in 1956. She was always very proud of her membership receiving her 50 year pin in 2005. Edna's invalid daughter died at age 30 and a few months later in 1974 she bicycled alone 400 miles to the Florida Keys to visit a relative. It took her 10 days, riding 40-75 miles per day. Her love of the out-of-doors grew. She hiked in the Smokie Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. She joined the Sierra Club, the Appalachian Trail Club, the Florida Trail Association and became a life-time member of the Green Mountain Club. At Age 63 she decided to hike the entire Appalachian Trail starting at the northern point in Maine. She broke her left leg twice before completing the entire 2000 mile trail in 1987 as a "purist"....she walked every step of the trail. Melrose celebrated her achievement by holding a "Edna Williams Day" and crowning her "Queen of the Appalachians" Always having the interest of Melrose in mind, in 1979 Edna donated the property for the Melrose Library, the first branch library in Putnam County. Twenty years later additional property was procurred from Edna for the children's wing addition. She loved using the library and was a ferocious reader. For many years Edna was a committee of one in keeping trash picked up daily at the Melrose Beach Park for her part as a member in the Melrose Business and Community Association. In the summer of 1990 Edna invigted the YMCA camp kids to use here pool for their daily swim--the highlight of their day. Edna was a long-standing and faithful member of the Col. Samuel Elbert Chapter of the National Society of the Daughter's of the American Revolution. Her special interest was in the schools supported by the National Society. In 2003 Edna reined as Grand Marshall of the Melrose Christmas Parade, riding in a sporty red convertable. This past christmas parade Edna enjoyed bring a participant in the parade. Edna has been a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church since her arrival in Melrose. She also supported the Orange Springs/Campville Methodist Church. Edna was a charter member of the Red Hat Society in Mel-rose. She was an enthusiastic member, rarely missing a meeting. In 2006 a celebration of her 90th birthday was held at the United Methodist Church which many family members and friends attended. In Edward Garvey's Book, "The New Appalachian", a page has been dedicated to Edna's life in Melrose and on the trail. She was so proud to be mentioned. Of the many new articles about Edna's escapades, the article written by local author, Al Burt, in 1980 was the one in which she was the most proud. A plaque dedicated to Edna at the Melrose Library states "in appriciation of years of unselfish generosity to her community". Edna loved her community and her community is grateful. "Gratitude is the memory of the heart" J. Massieu She is survived by three brothers, Roy L. Wilson, Jr., Indianapolis, Ind., Orville Wilson, Lewiston, Idaho and Jack Wilson, Peachtree City, Ga., three sisters, Norma Jean Thompson and Juanita Mayle both of Brazil, Ind. and Barbara Morrison, Peoria, Illinois, and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Williams, daughter, Linda Jane Williams, parents, Roy L. Wilson, Sr. and Inez Clover Herron and brother, Harry Wilson. Funeral Services will be held 10:30am on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Melrose United Methodist Church with Rev. Frank Phil-lips and Pastor Jeanne Hill officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on hour prior to services. Burial will follow services at Eliam Cemetery in Melrose. She will be greatly missed and loved by all who knew her. Arrangements are under the care of Moring Funeral Home, Melrose, Fl.