Virginia "Ginny" Williams
September 6, 1951 — September 30, 2016
Virginia (Ginny) Louise Williams, squeezer of grandchildren, collector of lighthouses, actual coal miner’s daughter, imaginary first wife of Paul McCartney, died at home on September 30, 2016 from complications of choloangiocarcinoma, a rare form of cancer. She was 65.
Born Virginia Clark in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Florence and Walter Clark, Ginny grew up in Hamilton, Iowa where she developed a love of animals, music, dance, and her mother’s baking. She attended Twin Cedars High School, graduating in 1969. She attended the Americana Beauty Academy in Des Moines where she earned a license in cosmetology. She married her real husband, Marvin Williams, on March 27, 1971 in Lovilia, Iowa and joined the ranks as a proud Navy wife. She and Marv had many adventures together, travelling far afield both during their time in the Navy and after.
Ginny was a kind, patient, and loving mother to two children, Annette and Matthew. Annette, who penned this obituary, was clearly her favorite. She taught her children compassion, humor, and forgiveness, and they miss her deeply. She was also a proud and doting grandmother to her two grandchildren, Ryan and Madeleine, and never passed an opportunity to spoil, hug, or tickle them silly.
In the mid-80s, Ginny changed careers and became a florist, working in several flower shops in the Pella and Knoxville areas before retiring in 2009. If you bought or received flowers within that time frame in those towns, chances are good you experienced a bit of Ginny’s creativity, eye for aesthetics, and friendliness. She was kind and personable, frequently striking up conversations with complete strangers (to the eye-rolling embarrassment of her children). Her green eyes sparkled with warmth. She was thoughtful and sincerely enjoyed making people happy. Even in her final days when her strength was nearly depleted and she labored to speak, she used precious remaining energy to compliment or express concern for friends, family, and hospital staff. She never failed to find something remarkable about those she spent time with.
Ginny is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Marjorie. They are currently all drinking coffee somewhere together, playing cards and accusing each other of cheating. She is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, her children, loving son-in-law David, grandchildren, two brothers, several brothers and sisters-in-law, her dog children, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Per her wishes, Ginny was cremated, and a memorial service will be held on 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8 at New Covenant Church in Knoxville. In lieu of flowers for the family, Ginny would have encouraged you to make someone happy by surprising them with a bouquet, a kind smile, or a random compliment. Additionally, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or your local animal shelter.
Born Virginia Clark in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Florence and Walter Clark, Ginny grew up in Hamilton, Iowa where she developed a love of animals, music, dance, and her mother’s baking. She attended Twin Cedars High School, graduating in 1969. She attended the Americana Beauty Academy in Des Moines where she earned a license in cosmetology. She married her real husband, Marvin Williams, on March 27, 1971 in Lovilia, Iowa and joined the ranks as a proud Navy wife. She and Marv had many adventures together, travelling far afield both during their time in the Navy and after.
Ginny was a kind, patient, and loving mother to two children, Annette and Matthew. Annette, who penned this obituary, was clearly her favorite. She taught her children compassion, humor, and forgiveness, and they miss her deeply. She was also a proud and doting grandmother to her two grandchildren, Ryan and Madeleine, and never passed an opportunity to spoil, hug, or tickle them silly.
In the mid-80s, Ginny changed careers and became a florist, working in several flower shops in the Pella and Knoxville areas before retiring in 2009. If you bought or received flowers within that time frame in those towns, chances are good you experienced a bit of Ginny’s creativity, eye for aesthetics, and friendliness. She was kind and personable, frequently striking up conversations with complete strangers (to the eye-rolling embarrassment of her children). Her green eyes sparkled with warmth. She was thoughtful and sincerely enjoyed making people happy. Even in her final days when her strength was nearly depleted and she labored to speak, she used precious remaining energy to compliment or express concern for friends, family, and hospital staff. She never failed to find something remarkable about those she spent time with.
Ginny is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Marjorie. They are currently all drinking coffee somewhere together, playing cards and accusing each other of cheating. She is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, her children, loving son-in-law David, grandchildren, two brothers, several brothers and sisters-in-law, her dog children, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Per her wishes, Ginny was cremated, and a memorial service will be held on 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8 at New Covenant Church in Knoxville. In lieu of flowers for the family, Ginny would have encouraged you to make someone happy by surprising them with a bouquet, a kind smile, or a random compliment. Additionally, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or your local animal shelter.
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