Beth Lane Williams 1924-2007

SAVANNAH - Stella Beth Lane Williams, a longtime resident of Savannah, Georgia, died at age 82 on Tuesday, October 16, 2007, in Davidson, North Carolina.

Beth was born December 27, 1924, in Donalsonville, Georgia to the late John Benjamin Lane and Lottye Zeigler Lane. Soon afterwards she moved with her family to Valdosta, Georgia, where she spent most of her formative years and graduated from Valdosta High School. In 1943, she graduated from South Georgia College, Douglas Georgia, with an associate degree. There, she met William Thomas "Bill" Williams, her future husband of 59 years. They were married in 1945 in Valdosta, Georgia. Before settling in Savannah in 1952, they resided in San Antonio, Texas until World War Two ended, lived in Toccoa, Georgia, where their only child was born, and spent a short time in Knoxville, Tennessee. Bill passed away on September 17, 2004. Also preceding Beth in death, were her infant brother, John B. Lane, Jr.; a sister, Rosalind Lane Antonie, and two half siblings, Joel R. Lane and Noelle Lane Belcher.

Mrs. Williams was a much loved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, who made lasting friendships wherever she went. She was an active member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, a life member of United Methodist Women, a delegate to UMW conventions, a charter member of the Oakdale Garden Club, a past member of Alfred Holt Colquitt UDC and of Beta Sigma Phi. She was an avid bridge player, expert gardener, a wonderful cook, and devoted Braves fan, rain or shine.

Additionally, she shared memberships with her husband in the Oglethorpe Club and the Savannah Golf Club, and enjoyed co-chairing with him many offices in the Church.

But her greatest joy derived from serving in what became known as Care and Share of which she was a co-founder. For more than thirty-three years, beginning in March 1973, Beth was the inspiration behind this nurturing ministry at Wesley Monumental, providing comfort and care to homebound persons. With her at the helm, these homebound members were visited every month, and presented copies of the devotional booklet, "The Upper Room." They received birthday and Easter cards, a Thanksgiving fruit basket and a special Christmas gift. Beth leaves behind the ongoing Care and Share ministry as a manifestation of her long hours, dedication and faith.

After her husband's death, Beth remained in Savannah until August 2007, when she moved to The Pines at Davidson in Davidson, North Carolina, to be near her son, Dr. William Thomas "Bill" Williams, Jr. and his wife, Marguerite Oldham Williams.

Other survivors are two grandsons, Ben Williams of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Daniel Williams of Raleigh, North Carolina; her twin sister, Betty Clark of Smyrna, Georgia; an older sister, Tallulah "Lunette" Baggett of Troy, Alabama; a sister-in-law, Lorene Lane of Clearwater, Florida; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 21st, from 4 PM to 6 PM at Fox and Weeks Funeral Home on Hodgson Memorial Drive.

Funeral services will be held at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church on Monday, October 22nd, at 10 AM, with interment immediately following in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery.

Remembrances: Care and Share Ministry – Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.