THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 14, 1996 TAG: 9603140266
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B10 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
Retha Best Williams, the daughter of Henry and Annie Artice Best, was born in Wayne County, N.C., on Oct. 28, 1923. She departed this life on March 10, 1996, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
At an early age, Retha moved with her family to Wilson, N.C., where she attended the public schools. As a young adult in search of better employment, she moved to Norfolk where she met, and later married, John Henry Williams. To this union 12 children were born, eleven of whom survive. Retha was a member of the Garden of Prayer, COGIC, in Portsmouth. She was a devoted wife and mother, and loved helping others in any way that she could until her health would no longer permit her to do so. In earlier years she was an active volunteer with the STOP Organization and the Villa Heights Civic League. She also worked as a companion to the elderly.
Retha leaves an abundance of love and precious memories to those who survive her. She is survived by her husband, John H. Williams; four daughters, Teresa A. and Bernadette D. Williams, both of Norfolk, Linda F. Williams of Washington, D.C., and Frances Williams Lewis of Norfolk; seven sons, John V., James R., Carleton E., Quinton L., Robert R. and Windell F. Williams, all of Norfolk, and Alex D. Williams of Hawaii; stepdaughter, Ethel Mae McLure of Mount Olive, N.C.; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in New Bethlehem Disciples Church of Christ. Burial is in Roosevelt Memorial Cemetery. Friends may join the family at 2808 Waverly Way, Apt. 2. Graves Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB