Avis de décès de Eva-Mae Williams - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

OKEECHOBEE - On Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, Eva Mae Williams went home to be with her Lord. Just weeks shy of her 103 birthday, Eva Mae was the patriarch of the Williams family. She was born on her family's farm in Spring Valley, Highlands County Florida on Sept. 19, 1908. A fourth generation-born Floridian, she was from a true pioneer family with her great-great-grandfather moving to the Crewsville area in the early 1800's. Born to Rev. Walter and Penelope Morgan Whidden, she and her family moved to Okeechobee in 1939 as the family had expanded their 101 Ranch into the area. Her father Walter was the pastor of Okeechobee Church of God in 1930-31. Mrs. Williams became part of another pioneer family when she and Zibe King Williams were married on May 7, 1927. She and her husband were ranchers throughout their working lives. Mrs. Williams was very active in Okeechobee's early days through her church, the Eastern Star, the American Cancer Society and the local school system. She loved art and traveled the United States and Europe extensively taking art classes after her children were grown. In addition to her art she loved to fish and hunt, especially turkey hunting in the cabbage woods. She was always dragging some grandchild along for the hunt. Mrs. Williams was honored in 1992 being named Ms. Diamond Jubilee as part of the 75th Anniversary of Okeechobee County. She and her husband raised a large family with many still in the area. Three generations of her descendants have graduated from Okeechobee High School, with a fourth generation currently enrolled. Preceded in death by her parents and husband, she was also preceded by an infant son, Paul; her son, W. H. Bill Williams; son-in-law, Alec Fulford; and great-grandson, Carson Williams. She is survived by her son, Haynes (Susan) Williams; daughters, Grace (Joel) Taylor, Wanda Sue (Larry) Wolford, Mary Helen Fulford, and Betty (David) Hazellief; and daughter-in-law, Paula Williams. In addition to her children, she is survived by 17 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. Services for Mrs. Williams will begin with the family receiving friends today, Sept. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. at the Okeechobee Church of God. Friends may sign the guestbook at www.bassokeechobeefh.com. All arrangements are entrusted to the loving care of Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home.