Elizabeth “Ellen” Morris Williams passed away unexpectedly at the age of 89 on November 29, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband, George H. Williams, MD, and older brothers, Stanley S. Morris, Jr. and William Winans Wall Morris. Born and reared in New Orleans, Ellen was the daughter of Stanley Stewart and Emma Elizabeth Wall Morris. She was a gifted athlete who excelled in everything she attempted, but was an outstanding swimmer and diver. A bit of a daredevil, she once secretly swam in a race in the murky canals of New Orleans, much to her mother’s dismay. Ellen attended Louise S McGehee School and Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University, graduating with a BA in Education and a Minor in Chemistry. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and the synchronized swim team. After college, she served in Germany for the US Department of Defense. In 1956 she returned to marry her college sweetheart, George. Her teaching career supported the couple while George completed his residency at Charity Hospital. Their medical adventure would take them beyond New Orleans to Houston (Baylor University), Boston (Harvard Medical and Mass.Eye & Ear), Norfolk (VA Hospital and Norfolk General) and finally Richmond (Medical College of Virginia). The next 20 years were spent managing the house on 3 Chopt Rd., rearing their 4 children, attending all varieties of sports as a cheerleader and support system for their athletic kids. She also enjoyed competing in tennis and golf. Never short of energy and always a giver, Ellen was an avid volunteer, joining The Richmond Junior League, The Woman’s Club, The Colonial Dames, the Auxiliary of the Richmond Medical Society, Women of St. Stephen’s and The Red Cross; she served as a local head election official, was the founding leader of Girl Scout Troop 171, and was a perennial and notorious stroke & turns judge for James River Aquatic Club. She loved her book and bridge clubs, as well as her church of over 50 years (St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church). Between traveling and golf, she and George spent time at their cabin, Eh La Bas, near Waynesville, North Carolina. When she moved to Westminster Canterbury in 2006, she immediately established friendships and organized activities to bring people together, continuing up to her passing. Ellen is survived by her four children who will miss her terribly: Bryan (Heather), Elizabeth (Pat Horne), Carolyn(Phil Delong), Michelle (Thom Morano); and her nine grandchildren whom she adored: Virginia, George, Emma, Stewart, and Isaac Williams; Maggie and Christopher DeLong; Sky Horne; Patrick (Peyton) Morano; and her faithful companion, Gabby, the rescue dog. A celebration of life will take place at a better time in the future when friends and family can gather. In lieu of flowers, Ellen request memorial donations to her alma mater, Louise S. McGehee School in New Orleans, La.
