It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Ruth Patricia Williams, age 89, of Bena, on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Percy W. Jenkins and Fannie M. Smith Jenkins; husband of 70 years, John B. Williams Jr.; brothers, Percy W. Jenkins Jr., James Carlton Jenkins, Karl Randolph Jenkins and Kenneth Warren Jenkins, and sister, Betty Mae Fanning Gaskins.
She leaves to cherish her memory, children, Jonathan Williams (Tanya), Susan W. Tetreault and Velvet W. Fitchett (Bob); grandchildren, Virginia Harrell (Matt), Jerri Williams and Jeannie Burton (Rodney); great-grandchildren, Brenner Harrell and Chase Burton (Maria); siblings, Gene E. Jenkins (Sylvia), Bill Henry Jenkins, Raymond H. Jenkins, Frances A. Owens, Nina J. Greene (Leon), and Gloria J. Meade (Tom). Patricia had many nieces and nephews, too numerous to list, and she loved each and every one of them.
Patricia loved all things in nature, from the little black spider in the kitchen that she would leave a drop of water for it to drink on the kitchen sink to the many dogs and cats that were part of her home over the years. She loved to plant things and got great joy from watching it grow and reaping the harvest. She could sew with the best of them and made many clothes and quilts for the family. She loved to read mystery and who-done-it books until macular degeneration robbed her of her sight over the past several years. Most of all Patricia was a wonderful mother who taught her siblings and children all about her favorite things so that they could someday provide for themselves. Give a person a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a person to fish, he eats for a lifetime.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery, conducted by Pastor Bill West. A reception will follow at Bethlehem United Methodist Church. In memory of Patricia, contributions may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 185, Bena, Va. 23018.
Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory.