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Celebrating the life of

Willaunell "Woodie" Williams

Passed away on November 07, 2025

Willaunell

Willaunell Woodard Williams, 85 of Tybee Island, passed away Friday, November 7, 2025 at Spanish Oaks Retreat.  Born May 17, 1940 in Laurens County, GA, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Doris Fountain Woodard.  She was better known by her family and friends as “Woodie”.  She was the last surviving charter member of Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church on Tybee Island, where she was a longtime member of the WMU, and served as the church Hostess.  She was also unofficially known as the “Church Greeter”, welcoming every visitor that came to worship.  Woodie was a longtime member of the Tybee American Legion Post 154, where she enjoyed playing bingo with her many friends. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Weldon Williams, her daughter, Dorcia Lee Williams, her sisters, Margie Cochran and Wilma Woodard, her brothers, Roy Woodard and Garey Woodard. 

She is survived by two sons, Johnny E. Williams (Tabitha) of Savannah, and Charles L. Williams (Tamera Miyasato) of Rapid City, South Dakota.  Also surviving are her grandchildren, Lucian Miyasato-Williams, Kacey Lee Bender (Robert), Tucker Johnny Williams, her great-grandchildren, Alec and Savannah, her sister, Denise Woodard of Brunswick, GA, her brother, Randall Woodard of Nashville, TN, her sisters-in-law, Terri Woodard, and Anita Woodard, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to her sister-friend Nancy Ferriera for her many years of love and care given to their mother. 

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Fox & Weeks, Islands Chapel.

The Funeral Service to honor her life will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church, Tybee Island, with The Rev. Dr. David Laughner officiating.  Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens following the service.  

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church, or Spanish Oaks Hospice.

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Woodie was a very special lady and to know her was a pleasure. She always had something up lifting to say. She will be missed.

- Brenda Simpson, Tybee Island, Georgia

Johnny, Chuck and Family (Terri and Anita), So sorry to read about your mother and sister. Woody always gave a helping hand to anybody that needed it. She was a happy and funny lady. Good times were had when she, Joan Parker, Betty Tillman and myself got together. She was true Tybee. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jackie and Charlie Brown Tybee/Metter

- Jackie and Charlie Brown, Tybee Island/Metter, Georgia

I love you aunt woodie, thank you for always supporting me in my faith with God. You were always so loving and kind. And I miss our little sleep over late night talk & snacks. Goodness I'm gonna miss your deviled eggs and early morning church breakfast. I love you so much God bless you in this life and in heaven where I know you are. May God bless and lift up the rest of my family and be comforted

- Sarah Woodard, Savannah, GA

Hey Johnny I am so sorry for your loss she was a very nice lady I fell in love with her since day one but she will be missed alot God bless you and your family

- Avis Robinson, Savanah , Ga

Woodie was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known . She was so much like her mother ( Aunt B) she had so much love to give . My mom and dad adored her which made me realize from a young age just how special she was . Always had a smile on her face and her laugh was so contagious . You will be missed Woody but I know you and your little girl is having a great celebration. We will see you soon ! I love you Woody

- Sharon Bryan Moye , Dexter , Ga

A candle has been lit!

RIP May fond memories bring peace and comfort to the family . Nancy sadden to hear of your loss she was a wonderful friend to you.

- Sandra Piper Williams, Seneca , SC

For those who knew Woodie, you already know she always had a smile. The last time I visited, she just lit up when I walked in the door. I'll always remember that! Johnny and family, you have been part of my life since I was a young bride in the shrimping industry. I love you all & I'm here for you.

- Darlene Clark, Savannah, Ga

Deepest Condolences she will be missed. She always had a smile for you. Her sweet spirit is already missed. God bless this family always.

- Chequita Green, Savannah , GA

Deepest Condolences she will be missed. She always had a smile for you. Her sweet spirit is already missed. God bless this family always.

- Chequita Green, Savannah , GA

Even though it's been many years since I last saw Woodie, I still carry vivid memories of her surrounded by family and friends on that old porch. We kids would do our best to stay out of sight and out of trouble, while the grown-ups talked and laughed. She'll always be a lasting part of my childhood.

- richard donald owens, Maysville, GA

Woodie was a very special person and family friend a real Tybee Treasure and will be remembered and missed by many. Love, prayers, and blessings to all.

- Donna Clark Piper, Tybee Island, GA

To the family of Woodie, I send my deepest sympathy & condolences for your loss. She was such a delight with her friendliness, her laughter. May she rest in peace. God bless.

- Carolyn S. Sheehan, Tybee Island, GA

Woodie was a wonderful, kind, and caring woman and neighbor. She truly embodied the best of our Tybee community . Her smile, humor and loving heart freely shared will definitely be missed but never forgotten! Angie and family please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss and heartache. Tybee has a new angel watching over us now.

- Capt.P.Michelle Gillikin, TYBEE ISLAND, Georgia

Hugs and prayers for the family. Woodie was always smiling. I know she happy getting to see Dorcia again in Heaven!

- Betty ( Stanley) Robinson, Rincon, Georgia

Miss Woodie raised her children in our house on Tybee and lived there for decades. Her husband and children's heights are marked on the door frame of the front bedroom. The dart marks from her son's dartboard are still in the back bedroom wall. After selling Turtle Moon Cottage, she and her family built a house on the back part of the lot and became neighbors. She was an amazing lady and extra grandmother for my son Arjun. She and her red mobility cart did neighborhood patrol and "consequently" all of us were safer and more loved because she was there. She even attended our parties. Kyle and I would bring meals to her when we cooked until she moved to the nursing home. Having this banner human being in my life added to my blessings. I hope that she and her Charlie are smiling down on us right now. Condolences to her family.

- Carolee Shackelford Futrell, Tybee Island, Ga

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900