Hickory, NC

February 28, 1932

June 23, 2008

Betty Ruth Shepherd Williams, age 76, of Hickory, NC, passed away Monday, June 23, 2008 at her residence.

Mrs. Williams was born February 28, 1932 in Ashe County and was the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland Shepherd and Ethel Walker Shepherd. She was a graduate of Ashe County Schools and was formerly married to Homer Williams, who survives.

Mrs. Williams is survived by a son, Mark Williams (Vicky) of N. Wilkesboro; a daughter, Susie Clanton of Statesville; a daughter, Kay Blackwood (Jim) of Conover, SC; a son, Neil Williams of Hickory; five grandchildren, John Michael Williams of Boone, Amber Williams of N. Wilkesboro, Latelle Williams of Hickory, Brianna Williams of N. Wilkesboro, Beth Blackwood of Conover; a sister, Myrtle Pugh of Millersville, Penn.; and two brothers, Ralph Shepherd of Cummings, Georgia and Mont Shepherd of Crumpler, NC.

Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by three brothers, Wilburn Shepherd, Walter Shepherd, and Blaine Shepherd; and a sister, Edith Howard.

Funeral service was conducted 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2008 in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Carl Ray Williams officiating. The family received friends on Sunday from 3:30-5:30 p.m. before the funeral hour.

Burial was held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2008 at New River Cemetery in Ashe County, off of Weavers Ford Road.

Memorials may be made to the Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, NC.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Betty Williams.