Beverly Lyle Williams passed away on October 10, 2012. She was born on September 4, 1929 in Houston, Texas, and was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Marshall Lyle and Kathleen Taulbee Lyle of Houston, TX.
She attended Newcomb College, the Women’s College of Tulane University, and is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. After her marriage to Richard Allen Williams in 1951, they lived in Houston, TX, and in Santa Barbara, CA, before moving to Fredericksburg in 1996.
Beverly was active in leadership in the Santa Barbara County Heart Association; Pi Beta Phi Sorority; United Daughters of the Confederacy; and Daughters of the American Revolution, among others.
She was a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, where she served as an active member of the Altar Guild, Worship & Music Committee, and a Eucharistic Lay Minister.
She was an accomplished needle worker, specializing in needlepoint, hand-sewn quilts, and hand-smocked garments for her grandchildren. She also used her talents to benefit several Episcopal churches (where she designed and stitched needlepoint kneelers) and Kenmore (where she served as President of their Stitchery Society and assisted in raising funds for the acquisition and restoration of historic linens and antiques.)
Beverly will be remembered for her generous and loving spirit, gracious hospitality, elegant style, and an instinctive talent for interior design. She was devoted to her family – truly a ‘home maker,’ creating an inviting home filled with beauty, great food, and always a warm welcome to all. She doted on her grandchildren, who absolutely adored her.
She is survived by her husband, Dick; daughter Laura Gresham (John) of Long Beach, CA; son Chris Williams (Brent) of Fairfax Station, VA; grandchildren Courtney and Will Gresham of CA; and Annesley and Marshall Williams of VA; two sisters, Yvonne Moor of Rockport, TX and Claire Sucsy of Evanston, IL; eight nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
A service will be held at 3 pm Sat, Oct. 27 at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her name can be sent to: St. George’s Church Restoration Fund, c/o Ben Hicks, 905 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 ; or Access Ministry, c/o McLean Bible Church, 8925 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182.
We send love for you and in the memory of this wonderful person. Beverly was important to us, and we will think of her fondly and often. Love, Sarah and Richard Pierson
Dear Laura and Family ~
I’m sending my love to all of you. You’ll be in my special thoughts and prayers this weekend and I’ll be with you in spirit.
With much love,
Janey Roeder
Dear Laura and family,
Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute to your beautiful mother. We never had the opportunity to meet her but knowing YOU has confirmed our suspicion that she was a truly remarkable and accomplished mother and person. Our hearts are with you and your family as you celebrate her life this weekend.
Dear Laura,
My deepest condolences to you and all your family at the loss of this beautiful lady. Her loving kindness and elegance lives on in you; may your heart be filled with comfort during this time of loss. My prayers will be with you and yours on Saturday.
Love,
Rhonda
Dear Laura,
Your Mother was so beautiful, just as you are. I am sure that you learned graciousness, lovingkindness and much, much more as her daughter. My heart is with you this weekend and always.
Love,
Abbi
Your beautiful mother’s legacy lives on in you, her beautiful daughter with the same gracious spirit, warmth and compassion. We are sending our love as you and your family accept this transition.
Big hugs,
R&J
Dear Laura,
Your mother’s legacy of beauty, grace, wisdom and generosity lives on in you as I know it does in all of her beloved family. May her memory be a blessing and comfort to all. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers, with love,
Marianne