Lydia Spivey Williams

Lydia was born in Charlotte on Feb. 20, 1940, to Rev. Edward Lowell Spivey and Susan Olive “Peggy” Blake Spivey. She loved reading, music, and learning and she enjoyed a life-long quest for knowledge. Lydia earned an Associate in Arts degree from Mars Hill College (now university), and then graduated magna cum laude from Wake Forest College (now University) with a Bachelor of Arts, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in History from Duke University followed by a Master of Science in Library Science from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Lydia began her career as a public librarian at Charlotte’s Main Library Reference Department. She rose to become the first Manager of the Independence Regional Library before retiring from the Charlotte Public Library after 35 years.

When Lydia wasn’t reading, listening to music, or teaching others, she and her husband Charlie Williams relished hiking and nature study, especially in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and both became adept at identifying the local flora. She enjoyed quiet walks on NC and FL beaches and together they enjoyed learning adventures in France and England as well as throughout North America.

Lydia is survived by Charlie Williams, her husband of 50 years, as well as by her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Jane Earl Hall, and her brother Edward Lowell Spivey Jr.

A quiet but intrepid spirit, Lydia treated everyone with respect and kindness. She was brilliant but never made anyone else feel dumb. She inspired others by her example and will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, 300 East Seventh Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

A service to celebrate the life of Lydia Williams will be held on Sunday, June 1 at the Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212.