Celebrating the life of
Lucy Irene Paulk Williams
August 04, 1921 - January 21, 2012
Tybee Island, GA- Lucy Irene "Lurene" Paulk Williams passed away peacefully on January 21, 2012. Irene was born on August 4, 1921 in Willicoochee, Georgia to John and Ethel Paulk.
Irene grew up on the family farm until she went to college at age 16. She married Adam A. Williams in 1944. With their two sons, Michael and Stephen, they lived in Colorado, Vermont, Morocco, New York, Illinois, Germany and Texas before retiring to Tybee in 1966. Irene was a faithful member of Trinity Chapel United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities over the years.
Irene was a teacher for many years and retired from Thunderbolt Elementary School. In addition to teaching, Irene was an active volunteer. She taught Sunday School and volunteered at the Tybee Island Lighthouse, the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, and Oceanside Nursing Home. She was a member of the Tybee Island Garden Club, the Tuesday Night Supper Club, Alpha Delta Kappa and the Humane Society.
Irene was predeceased by her parents John and Ethel Paulk, her husband Adam A. Williams, her brother Verdayne Paulk, and her brother-in-law Bernard Williams.
She is survived by her sons Michael Lawanda of Jacksonville and Stephen Kathryn of Tybee Island, grandchildren Adam and Stephen Williams, Ronney Boyd, and Summer Saladino. Also surviving Irene are two sister-in-laws Alberta Williams of Erie, PA and Emily Paulk of Willicoochee, GA and numerous nieces and nephews.
The celebration of Irene's life will be held on Monday, January 23rd at 11:00 at Trinity Chapel United Methodist Church. The family will be receiving visitors immediately after the service. The family requests that memorials be sent to Trinity Chapel United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 1203, Tybee Island, GA 31328 or a charity of your choice.
Mike, Lawanda and Family, Thinking about you all during this difficult time and praying God will comfort you with His love and your many happy memories together. Bryon, Melanie, Dyess & Braeden
- Melanie Neitz-Harp, Candler, NC
Dear Steve & Kathryn: We were saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. Irene was a true Tybee original and will be missed by all those fortunate enough to know her. Our sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
- Roxanne & Rusty Fleetwood, Tybee Island, GA
Steve and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Angell & Steven Usher, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Irene will be truly missed here on Tybee and especially at Trinity Chapel.
- Allan and Sara Jones, Tybee Island, GA
Dear Steve, Kathryn and family, So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was certainly a beautiful and thoughtful lady, always especially kind and generous to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Sincerely, John Mulligan
- John Muligan, Savannah, GA
Dear Steve, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Ms. Irene was a wonderful lady that had a positive influence on all who had the good fortune to have known her. I count myself as one of the very lucky ones. Tybee Island and the Methodist church has lost another one of its finest Matriarchs and I know Irene and Rosie now are catching up on old times and likely deciding just how to rearrange things in paradise. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family. David and Christine Thompson
- David Thompson, San Marcos, CA
Steve & Kathryn, I am very sorry to hear of Ms Irene's passing. She was a dear friend to my mother and I will never forget all of the thoughtful notes, cards and church bulletins that she sent to mom every week. I will miss seeing her smiling face and her gentle reminders about showing up for church...! Tommy
- Tommy Thompson, Tybee Island, GA
I was a member of ADK with Irene. She was always so cheerful and a faithful lady. I fondly remember the times she hosted ADK meetings at her lovely home on Tybee. She will be missed.
- Melanie Hunter Gibson, Florissant, CO
Steve and Kathryn, I send my sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family during this sad time. Irene will be remembered as an icon at Trinity Chapel, where she loved to practice her faith - giving cheerfully and freely of her time and talents. She was an advocate for the Tybee Lighthouse and Historical Society, supporter of Tybee Beautification, and a faithful volunteer at Oceanside Nursing Home. Most of all, she valued and treasured her family, her neighbors and her friends. A Tybee treasure, she will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Shirley
- Shirley Sessions, Tybee Island, GA
Mike, Lawanda and Family, Thinking about you all during this difficult time and praying God will comfort you with His love and your many happy memories together. Bryon, Melanie, Dyess & Braeden
- Melanie Neitz-Harp, Candler, NC
Dear Steve & Kathryn: We were saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. Irene was a true Tybee original and will be missed by all those fortunate enough to know her. Our sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
- Roxanne & Rusty Fleetwood, Tybee Island, GA
Steve and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Angell & Steven Usher, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Irene will be truly missed here on Tybee and especially at Trinity Chapel.
- Allan and Sara Jones, Tybee Island, GA
Dear Steve, Kathryn and family, So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was certainly a beautiful and thoughtful lady, always especially kind and generous to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. Sincerely, John Mulligan
- John Muligan, Savannah, GA
Dear Steve, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Ms. Irene was a wonderful lady that had a positive influence on all who had the good fortune to have known her. I count myself as one of the very lucky ones. Tybee Island and the Methodist church has lost another one of its finest Matriarchs and I know Irene and Rosie now are catching up on old times and likely deciding just how to rearrange things in paradise. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family. David and Christine Thompson
- David Thompson, San Marcos, CA
Steve & Kathryn, I am very sorry to hear of Ms Irene's passing. She was a dear friend to my mother and I will never forget all of the thoughtful notes, cards and church bulletins that she sent to mom every week. I will miss seeing her smiling face and her gentle reminders about showing up for church...! Tommy
- Tommy Thompson, Tybee Island, GA
I was a member of ADK with Irene. She was always so cheerful and a faithful lady. I fondly remember the times she hosted ADK meetings at her lovely home on Tybee. She will be missed.
- Melanie Hunter Gibson, Florissant, CO
Steve and Kathryn, I send my sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family during this sad time. Irene will be remembered as an icon at Trinity Chapel, where she loved to practice her faith - giving cheerfully and freely of her time and talents. She was an advocate for the Tybee Lighthouse and Historical Society, supporter of Tybee Beautification, and a faithful volunteer at Oceanside Nursing Home. Most of all, she valued and treasured her family, her neighbors and her friends. A Tybee treasure, she will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Shirley
- Shirley Sessions, Tybee Island, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
