Marianna Keene Williamson

Marianna Keene Williamson, of Midlothian, Virginia, passed away peacefully with family by her side on August 3, 2025, at the age of 81. A loving mother, grandmother, friend, and a woman of quiet strength and resilience, Marianna lived a full and meaningful life devoted to family, community, and the simple joys that brought her happiness.

Born on November 25, 1943, in Williamsburg, Virginia, Marianna was the daughter of Robert Bryant Keene and Thelma Lanier Keene. She was the middle child of three, growing up alongside her older brother Robert “Bobby” Bryant Keene, Jr., and younger sister Barbara Keene Spurgeon.

A 1962 graduate of James Blair High School, Marianna began her higher education at Averett College before transferring to Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University). It was there she would meet her future husband, James Ellis Woodruff. They married in 1968 and welcomed two children, Anna and Ellis, whom they raised with deep love and dedication.

Throughout her life, Marianna lived in several communities across Virginia — from Richmond to Lawrenceville to the Eastern Shore — making each place home and forming lasting friendships along the way. While living on the Eastern Shore, she worked as a radiology transcriptionist at Northampton Accomac Memorial Hospital. In 1980, she returned to her hometown of Williamsburg, where she and her husband ran a successful appliance business. Though their paths eventually diverged, their years together as a family were filled with warmth, tradition, and cherished memories.

In the late 1980s, Marianna began a new chapter in her career as a mammography technologist at Williamsburg Community Hospital — a profession that would later become deeply personal as she bravely battled and survived three occurrences of breast cancer. She concluded her career at the College of William & Mary, retiring in 2011.

Marianna had a special way of making others feel welcomed and cared for. Whether through a home-cooked meal, a thoughtful conversation, or simply her warm presence. She lived her life as a giver, always providing care and support for friends facing challenges. She adored animals and filled her home over the years with beloved pets, had a passion for a good book, was always up for a funny movie or a competitive game of Scrabble. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she always embraced that time of year with great joy and generosity. Above all, she held her family at the center of everything, treasuring their accomplishments, laughter, and closeness.

Marianna was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Thelma Keene; her former husband, James Ellis Woodruff; her brother, Bobby Keene; and her most beloved sister, Barbara Spurgeon.

She is survived by her daughter, Anna Woodruff Gallo and husband Steve; her son, James “Ellis” Woodruff, Jr. and wife Tara; and her granddaughters, Meredith and Marissa.

Marianna’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched — a legacy of grace, resilience, and unwavering love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heritage Humane Society (heritagehumane.org).

A private memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.