Janice "Jean" Williams

If living life to the fullest was the goal, then “Mission accomplished, Grandma Jean.”

On April 25, 2011 family members were by her side as Jean caught a cloud to join her husband of 44 years, Ollie Williams and her beloved son Bruce. Bruce passed away eight months ago to the day.

Janice Jean (Moore) Williams was born to Jenny and George Moore in Turner, OR on March 24, 1921. While growing up Jean attended Leslie Middle School and in 1938 was among the first graduating class of Salem High School, now North Salem High. In 2006 she was inducted into the North Salem High “Hall of Fame” for her contributions to woman’s athletics. Jean earned a bachelor’s degree from Willamette University in 1943 and a Master’s in Education in 1967. One year after Jean’s graduation, Willamette brought her on staff where she would shape woman’s lives as a counselor, teacher and coach until her retirement from the university in 1981. During her tenure she coached every woman’s sport offered at one time or another including golfing, bowling, basketball, badminton and the sport nearest to her heart, tennis. She also served as Director of Woman’s Physical Education, Director of Woman’s Intramurals and Coordinator of the Service Programs at Willamette. Jean served as president of the Woman’s Conference of Independent Colleges (WCIC) in its first year in 1953 and was inducted into the NAIA District Hall of Fame in 1987. In 1992 Jean was inducted into the Willamette University Athletic Hall of Fame.

Jean’s generosity touched the heart of everyone she came in contact with. Her smile had gravitational pull all its own and she could put an entire room at ease with her distinctive laugh. While attending Willamette she met her soul mate, golf partner and consummate leg-puller, Ollie Williams. Jean loved playing golf, swim and travel. She had the privilege of attending Wimbledon in England and the Berlin Olympics in 1976. She frequented Palm Springs and loved spending time at “Jean’s Dream”, her property on the Little North Fork.

Jean was a solid rock for encouragement to her only child Bruce, four grandchildren and countless students, friends, colleagues and extended family. Jean will most certainly be missed and fondly remembered.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Ollie, her son Bruce and sisters, Dorothy, Eleanor and Agnes. Jean is survived by her youngest sister Marcia Halverson, daughter-in-law Holly Williams, grandchildren Nicholas, Robyn, Rocky and Scott, as well as her great grandchildren Madison and Drew. Jean was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church where a memorial service will be held on May 9th at 3:00pm. Remembrances may be donated to the Kidney Foundation of Oregon or the Charity of your choice. Arrangements made by Howell Edwards Doerksen Funeral Home.

Job well done, Gramma Jean! We’ll catch you at “the turn”