Williams, Freeda Heslep

Freeda Heslep Williams, 87 of Narrows passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 1st, 2014. She was born in Narrows on July 5th, 1926, and was the daughter of the late Joseph Lemuel Heslep and Nannie Viola Wilkinson Heslep. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Edward Heslep and wife Evelyn, Harold Heslep and wife Sue, Avery Heslep; two half-sisters, Eula Lamb and husband Dewey, Lenora Fletcher and husband Ray; two half-brothers, Ernest Lovell and wife Katheryn, and Emette Lovell and wife Gray.

Freeda’s main interests were loving and looking out for her family and friends. She was a marvelous cook and loved sending out thoughtful cards on special occasions. She was a longtime member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Narrows where she sang alto in the Chancel Choir and served in the Christian Womens Fellowship. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, she will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 67 years, Leonard Buford Willliams, Jr.; her children, Carolyn Jane Williams of Narrows, Sharon and Michael Mann of Springfield, Virginia, Margaret and Abed Benzina of Alexandria, Virginia, and Rodney and Sue Williams of Belvedere, Illinois; grandchildren, Michael and Patrick Hendrickson, Rodney, Jr. and Eric Williams, Michelle Welck, Kimberly Smeltzer, and Kamila and Ramsey Benzina; eleven great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends.

The family wishes to thank Carilion Hospice Service-New River Valley, Judy Sadler, Diane Cumbee, and Dr. Robert Devereaux for their love and care.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 4th, 2014 at 2 PM at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); 605 Memorial Boulevard in Narrows with Rev. Jim McDaniel, Rev. Ed Tiller and Rev. T. Carroll Givens officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Narrows. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service Saturday from 6 to 8 PM. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider First Christian Church; P.O. Box 441; Narrows, VA 24124.

The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.