She was the last surviving member in
her class of 1934 and was a princess in the May Day
court of her senior year. After graduating, some time
was spent in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, where she
learned how to "square the corners" when making a bed -
a skill which was passed on to her children.
It was also in high school that she
met her sweetheart and future husband, Fred "Gus"
Williams, to whom she was married for 60 years. They
were married in Clifton Forge, Va. on March 19, 1947.
After the war, they moved to Richmond. Those early years
were challenging for Lib, raising two young children and
adjusting to a life in the big city with her husband
working most of the time.
As Fred rose through the ranks from
park policeman to eventually become Chief of Recreation
and Parks, they were able to live in city-owned housing
in Bryan Park and Westover Hills Park. The house in
Bryan Park - now known as "The Keepers House" - she
described as "cold and drafty." With the children in
school, Libby worked at JC Penney and at the Bank of
America, from which she retired.
After retirement, she enjoyed
travelling around the continental U.S., Hawaii, Europe,
Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the Caribbean. She
also was a highly talented seamstress. Lib eventually
moved to Bon Air, where she lived for the past 34 years.
The last 14 years, after the sudden death of her
husband, she lived alone and independently.
She joined the Chesmond Woman's Club,
actively maintained her yard, attended many local
theater productions with her friend, Connie and did
chair yoga at the age of 92. Her mind and memory
remained clear and sharp up to the time of her death.
Elizabeth will be remembered as one
of the most humble, kind and considerate human beings
one could ever meet. Even upon her deathbed, she
frequently thought and inquired of others. She was a
present, empathetic and attentive listener. She was a
link that harkened back to simpler times and lived her
life accordingly.
Libby enjoyed her morning coffee,
newspaper and building fires in the fireplace. Most of
all, she loved her family. Elizabeth is survived by her
children, Andy (Carol) Williams and Susan (Vernon)
Parker; grandchildren, Allison, Christopher and Jason;
and brother, Paul (Carol). She was predeceased by her
husband, Fred; granddaughter, Megan; parents, Clay and
Della Bland; and siblings, Tommy, Louise, Virginia and
Margaret Ann. Interment took place in Hollywood Cemetery
with a private graveside ceremony. Online condolences
may be left at
woodyfuneralhomehuguenot.com. |