Mary Eva Williams

Mary Eva Williams, 91, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 2, 2018. Formerly of Lewisburg, she spent the last 10 years living with her granddaughter Jules in Asheville, NC. She passed peacefully at home with her granddaughter after suffering for many years with COPD and recently lung cancer. Born April 27, 1927 at Keiffer, WV, she was the daughter of the late Cassie and Garland Shortridge. She is preceded in death by her husband, Averal “Abe” Williams and her daughter, Doris Lauyans. She is survived by great granddaughter Ayesha Ahsanuddin, her granddaughter Jules Sears of Asheville, NC, her grandson Casey Sears and his wife Julie of Johnson City TN., her step-son Mike Williams of Valrico, FL, his daughters Laura and Karen, her brother Glenn Mace and his wife Judy of Prestenburg, KY and her sister-in-law, Alice Shortridge of Lewisburg, WV. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and Linda and Rich Yarger of Verona, KY who considered Mary to be a second mother to her. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Asheville, NC, where she had a letter writing ministry. After retiring from The General Lewis Inn, she volunteered over 5500 hours at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center and was a Hospice volunteer. She sat with and gave comfort to many at the end of their lives. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fairlea for many years. While living in Quinwood, she was an active member of Quinwood Baptist Church where she was in charge of the food committee and Vacation Bible School. She is preceded in death by her brother Melvin Shortridge, his wife Eva, her sister Goldie and her husband Arvad Bills, her sister Irene Shortridge, her brother Calvin Shortridge, her brother Marvin Shortridge and his wife Ada, her brother Raymond Shortridge and his wife Mary and her sister Lillie Markham. During the Great Depression, her mother passed away when she was 6. Her father abandoned the children. She experienced hunger and tremendous hardship. She remained in contact with all her siblings, including those from her father’s second marriage. As a result, her mission and joy in life was to feed the hungry and help anyone in need. She was a happy, very caring, loving person. She radiated that. She was a source of comfort to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a voracious reader. She enjoyed playing cards, watching the birds, square dancing and traveling. She loved the Lord and that love embodied the way she lived her life. At Grace Baptist Church, she started the tradition of holding hands and saying the Lord’s Prayer at the end of Sunday School Class. Mary used to tell her granddaughter “Give your best to the world and the world will give its best to you”. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Grace Baptist Church in Asheville, with Pastor Branton Burleson officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Donations of sympathy may be made to: Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806. Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com, or locally at grocefuneralhome.com.