Williams, Jean Bane

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williams_jean_baneJean Bane Williams, 72, completed her life’s earthly journey on August 22, 2010, at her home in Roanoke, Va., supported by her family. She had been treated for colon cancer for nearly seven years. She was born in Henry County, to the late Garland and Ina Bane. Her family moved to Christiansburg, along with her younger sister, Joyce, when she was three. She graduated from Christiansburg High School, and received her BS in Education at Radford University. On December 19, 1956, she married a Hokie, her high school sweetheart, Edwin L. Williams. This year, they were to have celebrated their marriage of 54 years. They first lived in Richmond, Va., where she taught Home Economics, and also worked as a Dietician at Richmond Memorial Hospital, while her husband completed Medical School and resident training to become a surgeon. During those busy years, she had four children, Timothy Jon (neonatal death), Julia, Amy and Eddie. During the Viet Nam War, she was a Naval Officer’s bride, as he served at the United States Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Va. During the next three and a half years she and her family served with the Methodist Mission Board in Borneo, and then Hong Kong. Those years in Southeast Asia were educational, exciting, busy and rewarding experiences for the whole family. The family returned to Roanoke, where she has completed her journey through this life. During those years, she opened our home and became the mother of three teenage boys, Joe and Bill Tate, and David Burchette, because of a tragic family incident. She loved raising young people, she was an expert cook, and each meal was a celebration, enjoyed traveling at home and abroad, she was devoted to her church and it’s programs. She also became a Girl Scout Leader, was always an avid reader, and a keen and beautiful artist in oils. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Edwin L. Williams, II, Roanoke; daughter, Julia Davis, Columbus, N.C., daughter Amy and husband Rocky Rickman, Boones Mill; and son, Edwin L. (Eddie) Williams, III, Roanoke; sister, Joyce and husband Eddie Lester, Christiansburg. Surviving grandchildren include Leon Davis and wife Kristi, parents of our two great-grand daughters, Kaylin Jean and Noelle Elyse Davis, Lexington, Ky., Isaiah Rickman and wife Stephanie, Wirtz, Va., and Jesse Rickman and fiancĂ©, Megan Gordon, Boones Mill, Andrew Davis, Stewart Davis and Vincent Davis, all of Columbus, N.C. The surviving teen boys, that become part of the family are Joe Tate, and son, Joey and daughter, Molly, Roanoke, Bill Tate and wife Lysette, and their son, Billy, Moyock, N.C., and David Burchette, San Diego, Calif.

Mrs. Williams was the kind of friend that you would always want, and the kind of mother you always needed. She was extremely grateful for the quality care and professional expertise demonstrated by her doctors, Joe Nelson, Bill Fintel, David Randolph, Kevin Munson, Don Bivins, Al Hagy, Jr. and Scott Arnold. Similar praise goes to each member of Good Samaritan Hospice team. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va., 24018; or the City Rescue Mission, 402 4th Street SE, Roanoke, Va., 24013. The family will receive friends Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 1 to 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Salem. Memorial services will be private. John M. Oakey and Son Funeral and Cremation Service, Salem is serving the Williams Family. Condolences to the family may be sent at www.johnmoakey. com, 540-389-5441.