On August 31, 2020, we said “Goodbye for now,” to our mother, Doris Jean Williams. That was the day she passed from this life into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She looked forward to the day she would see the face of Jesus and be reunited with all her family and friends who had gone before her.
During her 91 years of life, Mom lived out Philippians 2:3-4:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
She was humble. Her humor was often self-deprecating, but oh, she was truly funny right up to the end of her life!
Mom loved people no matter who they were. Because she was “others centered,” she noticed those who needed encouragement. From her they would receive a kind word, a compliment, a well-timed note or card, or a loaf of freshly baked bread. She loved to bake bread and gave loaves to so many people in her life.
Some of Mom’s happiest memories were being part of a small group Bible study where she and our dad developed deep and enduring friendships with the others in the group. At that time there was nothing like that at our church. Mom and Dad soon realized that while they were growing in their faith and gaining a deeper knowledge of the Bible, their daughters had nothing like that to help them grow. And so, when we were 11 and 12 years old, they started a youth group. Most of the young people were school friends and not part of the church. But all of us had the opportunity to learn who Jesus is, how to have a relationship with him, and that someday He is coming back.
Later after they moved to Florida Mom and Dad were part of a small group of believers who studied the Bible together on a regular basis. Ultimately that Bible study grew into Spruce Creek Presbyterian Church in Port Orange, Florida.
Mom knew that her time on Earth was coming to an end. And she wanted to make sure that everyone she loved would someday be in Heaven with her. This was especially true with her friends and the staff at Brookdale Sandy Springs. “May I ask you a question?” she would say. “Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior?” She was always happy when someone said yes.
As we reflect on 2020 and the upheaval it has brought into so many people’s lives, we hope that all people will ask themselves, “Do I know Jesus?” Mom would be so happy to see you again.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5