Betty Jo Williams, age 82 of Buckhannon, WV, died in her home on March 29, 2011 with two grandsons at her side. She was born July 16, 1928 in Beckley, WV the only daughter of the late Basil Clifford “Cotton” and Bertie Calloway. On April 16, 1971 she married Don Eugene Williams who preceded her in death on February 18, 2010. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by one daughter, Vicki Lee Cole. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Moss and husband John of Buckhannon. Upon marrying Don, she inherited four additional children whom she raised along with her own; two daughters Barbara Howes and husband Michael of Sterling, VA and Becky Kittka and husband Joe of Round Hill, VA; two sons, Pat Williams and wife Peggy of Austin, TX and Mike Williams of Coudersport, PA. Also surviving are two granddaughters Lori Tafazoli and husband Dr. Mark Tafazoli of Cullman, AL and Jenny Eggleston and husband Connor of Ashburn, VA; seven grandsons, Chris Cole of Huntsville, AL, Alex Kittka of Round Hill, Jonathan Williams and wife Lindsey of Round Rock, TX, Roger Queen, JC Moss and Jeremy Moss and wife Tina, all of Buckhannon, Dustin Moss and wife Angel of Fort Stewart, GA and Daniel Williams; one son in law, John Paul Cole of Huntsville, AL; and eight great grandchildren. Always a leader and self-sacrificing, Betty Jo served as the editor of her high school yearbook and graduated as valedictorian of Woodrow Wilson High School’s class of 1946. Dependable beyond measure, Betty Jo was always involved in community service during her entire adult life. She actively served in her daughters’ elementary school PTA and as a Sunday school teacher at Beckley’s Methodist Temple. In Buckhannon, she served in many leadership roles, most notably as financial secretary for 24 years at the First United Methodist Church, as president and other offices in American Association of University Women (AAUW) and as president of the Buckhannon Women’s Club. Betty Jo, however, was first and foremost a mother. Her mothering style coupled a balanced routine with a direct approach that emphasized self-discipline and tenacity. Friends will be received Friday, April 1, 2011 from 6-8 PM at the Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. Steve Meadows officiating. Burial will follow at the Heavner Cemetery beside her beloved Don in Buckhannon. Online Condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-st. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
