Fern Williams

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dearest mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Fern Williams on her 85^th birthday. She passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024, at Blount Memorial Hospital with her two daughters, Dawn Evans and Sheri Williams as well as her son-in-law John Evans at her side.

She is also survived by her son, Paul Scott Williams; grandchildren, Joshua Evans and Rachel Evans (fiancé Tim Evans); sisters in law, Rose Carole Jones (husband Jerry Jones) and Mary King; nephews, Graham Jones, Greg Jones, Hank King, and Wally King, as well as many cousins.

She delighted many with her beautiful soprano singing voice as well as her lovely piano playing. Over the many years, she played for many churches and events. She played for a male chorus group for many years in NC. She sang for countless weddings. Fern taught Sunday School for over 50 years. She wrote many Sunday School lessons and Bible study materials. She was a Bible scholar. 

She was a weekly voice on a local radio station in NC for many years as well as writing weekly columns for a local newspaper. She loved to decorate wedding cakes as well as catering for the special events. She was the leader of the Candy Striper program at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro, NC for many years. She was also very active with the Wayne County Sheriff’s department in NC serving on several committees and heading many campaign events. She ran for NC State Senate losing by less than 100 votes. She was the head of the Women’s Republican Committee in NC as well. Her claim to fame was dressing up and performing skits for many events as Edith Ann, Lily Tomlin’s character….. and “THAT’S THE TRUTH”! Later in life she started a card ministry to over 500 people a year. She handcrafted each card, no two were ever alike.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, especially her dearest friends Edith Churchman, Rita Haynes, Joyce Adams, Rosalie Spice, Joann Webb, Rachel Frey, Phyllis Young, Lynda Stapleton, Jackie Flowers, Lola Delbridge, Carolyn Russell, Kim Powell, Gloria Blair, Thomas Harrison, Wes Knowles, Dawn Staley and Adina Howard.

 Fern was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Roy Williams, parents Fred Sr. and Edna King (Fitzgerald), stepfather Dewey Fitzgerald and brothers Fred Jr and Henry King.

We would like to say a special thanks to Reverend Chris Pass, Reverend Greg Long and Reverend Charles Ballard for the prayers and ministry you gave Fern and her family. We would also like to say a special thanks to the excellent and compassionate care we received at Blount Memorial Hospital.

A celebration of Fern’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 3:00 pm at the Sherwood Memorial Cemetery Chapel with entombment to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to The Gate-Gateway to Independence, PO Box 6023, Maryville, TN 37802.