NEW CONCORD - Evelyn Elfreda Williams, 89, a resident of the Beckett House of New Concord since 1994, passed away at 3 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2000.

She was born July 21, 1911, to the late Laura and Harry Barr of New Concord.

She was a lifelong member of the Bloomfield United Presbyterian Church, having joined in membership in 1925. She was known for her generous nature and gracious hospitality to those in need. Throughout the years, her home was a refuge to many. She especially loved children.

She married Elbert Seward Williams on Dec. 12, 1932.

Surviving children include: Laura Mae (Andy) Bates, New Concord, Eugene (Lina) Williams, Center Point, Texas, Robert (Mary Jane) Williams, New Concord, Judy (Don) Boyd, Caldwell, Sharon (Dan) Gibson, Goodview, Va., Kenneth (Barbara) Williams, New Concord, and Vickie Crawford, West Lafayette; sister, Isabel Bowers, Dayton; brothers, Harper Barr, New Concord, Wilmer Barr, Cambridge, and Robert Barr, Norwich.

Survivors also include 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; two half brothers, four half-sisters, and many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband on Jan. 15, 1990; a son, Donald Curtis Williams, who died in infancy in 1938; a grandson; three brothers; and one half-brother.

Calling hours will be observed from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2000, at Mock Miller Funeral Home, 63 W. Main St., New Concord.

The body will lie in state one hour prior to services at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, 2000, at the Bloomfield U.P. Church, with Rev. Martin Radcliff officiating. Burial will follow in Bloomield Cemetery.

We're here today to celebrate the life of Evelyn Elfreda Ban Williams.

I only became acquainted with her after she became ill and so I really never knew her as most of you do.

I visited with her regularly at the nursing home and have heard much about her life from her family. Together, we share some of those thoughts this morning.

Throughout her 89 years of life, Mrs Williams' role was that of a nurturer.

First as the oldest child of Harry and Laura Barr. In that role she assumed responsibility in helping to raise 6 brothers and 1 sister. When she was 14 years of age, Evelyn went to care for -and live- with Grandma Russell and continued there until her death in 1933. Soon after that, she began her greatest role in life...that of being a mother to her first born, Laura Mae. During the next 18 years, she gave birth to Gene, Donald Curtis, Bob, Judy, Sharon and Kenny.

Her deepest sorrow during those years was the death of her 3-week-old baby, Donald Curtis on January 26, 1938.

Even though she had a houseful of her own, Evelyn always had room for one more baby. When her sister-in-law Millie suddenly died, Evelyn took six month old Vickie into her home and heart.

Her grandchildren also shared in her special treatment.

Perhaps her greatest challenge as a nurturer ... I'm told ... was in caring for her husband Elbert, the youngest child of a family of 8. Those of you who knew Elbert or Pappy ... know he liked attention. And he got all of Evelyn's attention once the children had left home. They finally moved to New Concord and Elbert had time to "dote" on his "sweetie" and Evelyn exercised patience.

She was special to many families in New Concord when she went into their home as a day worker and ended up being a friend.

In 1988 after a sudden illness, her health began to decline. The condition escalated after the death of Elbert in 1990 and in 1994 ... after many family discussions ... Evelyn entered the nursing home where she remained until her death.

During the past 6 years, her illness projected her back to her childhood but she was able to continue her role as a nurturer with her family of baby dolls.

Beginning early Sunday morning, her family nurtured her when God saw she was getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So, He put His arms around her and whispered "Come to me". With tearful eyes they wakhed her and saw her pass away. Although they loved her dearly, They could not make her stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard workng hands at rest. God broke their hearts to prove to them that He only takes the best.

God blessed the life of Evelyn Williams by allowing her to serve Him as a giver of love to her family and friends.

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