Barbara Louise Williams, a resident of Irvington and Cobbs Creek, Va., died peacefully in the presence of the Lord on Thursday the 16th of July 2015 at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Richmond.

Born in 1928 in Philadelphia, Barbara devoted herself to providing counseling and guidance to the residents of Mathews County though her career as a social worker.

Loved by all who met her, Barbara is best known for her music, particularly spirited renditions of “The Boogie Woogie” and other classics. A favorite quotation of Barbara’s provides a metaphor for her life and impact on others. “My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamination. I hear the sweet though far off hymn that hails a new creation. Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing. It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing!” (Words of a hymn in part by Doris Pienn)

Barbara is survived by her nephews, Mark, Alan, and Jonathan Davis, several grand-nieces and -nephews who live in Maryland and Maine, and sister-in-law, Ann Davis, with whom she shared great joy and happiness.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury, 132 Lancaster Dr., Irvington, Va. 22480, Saturday, July 25 at 3 p.m.