Margaret Helen Williams, 94, died Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Kendal-Crosslands in Kennett Square, Pa.
She was the widow of Joe Williams Jr., who died in 2015. They were married for 75 years and are survived by their children, Clark Williams and wife Cindy Lenhart, Marcia Bohannon, and S.J. Williams; grandchildren, Stewart Williams and wife Jody Hahn, and Maggie Heil and husband John; and great-grandchildren, Collette and Nathaniel. Margaret is also survived by her sister, Doris Bennett.
She was predeceased by her sister, Mary Ford, and Miles and Una Smith, all of Cotton Plant, where Margaret grew up.
Margaret was a bright high school student when Addie Hunnicutt, the principal of her school, and Mrs. Sol Nathan, a land and business owner, arranged for her to attend college. Between them, and against her father’s wishes, they paid for her college tuition, and arranged for a job and a place to live. She graduated from Magnolia A&M in her home state and became a teacher.
She was a Navy wife, supporting her husband in a 37-year career that saw him rise from apprentice seaman to Vice Admiral, with his last job as Commander Submarine Atlantic Fleet and Commander Submarine Forces, NATO. The family moved 27 times, often when Joe was at sea. As Joe went up the ranks, Margaret took care of the wardroom wives and families at home, helping them weather financial problems, broken water heaters, and even ferrying them to a hospital when babies were born while the men were away. She loved the Navy because it gave her access to the world.
During World War II, Joe and Margaret would meet in Boston on his leaves, dancing to the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw. The Rainbow Room in New York City was another favorite venue.
They retired to Mystic, Conn., where Joe had a large rose garden. Every morning he brought her a fresh cut bud, placing it in a vase on a tray with her coffee.
When she and Joe made their final move to Kendal-Crosslands, they embraced their new community and explored it avidly. They were frequent visitors at the Wyeth Museum and Longwood Gardens, and enjoyed fine meals at area restaurants.
Margaret had a natural ability to put anyone at ease and was the consummate hostess. She was an elegant dresser, a thoughtful gift-giver, a prolific note-writer, and a world-class shopper. She loved searching for small Limoges boxes and collecting fine art and well-made furniture.
She loved the gentle and loving staff at Crosslands. They adored her in turn and made her days warm and comfortable. Everyone whose lives she touched remembers her with love.
Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Crosslands Retirement Community, Route 926, Kennett Square, Pa.
An interment ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, May 19, at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium, where Margaret will join her beloved Joe.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, Minn. 55905, or The Submarine Force Library and Museum, 1 Crystal Lake Road, Groton, Conn. 06340. Please make contributions in memory of Margaret H. Williams, 538 Crosslands Drive, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.
Arrangements are by Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Kennett Square.