Catherine Blakey Williams

Mrs. Catherine Blakey Williams, 84, formerly of 135 East Johnson Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia departed this life Tuesday, January 4, 2011, while a patient at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was born the first daughter and fifth child of George Henry Blakey, Sr. and Josephine Beasley Blakey in McGaheysville, Virginia (Rockingham County) on October 18, 1926.

Catherine expressed her faith in Jesus Christ as a child, was baptized and joined the New Hope Baptist Church at McGaheysville. She also became a member of Bethel AME Church. Her early education was in the public schools of Rockingham County.

Catherine was wed to Jerry Williams, Jr. on February 19, 1948 in Hagerstown, MD. The couple was blessed to share 59 years as life partners. Catherine embraced the greatest of professions that of “home-making”. It was later that she became an employee of the city. She enjoyed caring for everyone and giving nutritious meals as she was an awesome cook. Catherine nurtured many grandchildren to include Raquel Williams Roman who resided with her.

Catherine was predeceased by her parents, husband, and brothers, William Randolph Blakey, Authur Blakey, James N. Blakey, Abraham Blakey, George Henry Blakey, Jr., and a sister, Charlotte Blakey Whitelow, and grandson, Juan Ramone Williams.

Conjointly, remaining to mourn their loss and celebrate her life are her sons and their families, Jerry Williams, III (Gwendolyn), Marshall, VA, George Calvin Williams (Dawn), South Riding, VA, and Raymond Carl Williams, Harrisonburg, Va; daughters, Lois Marie Williams and Lillie W. Jordan (Alphonso) both of Harrisonburg, and Cathy W. Harrison (James), Surry, VA; brothers and their families, Robert Blakey (Elaine), Harrisonburg, VA, Joseph Blakey (Rose), Harry Leroy Blakey (Louvenia), both of Pottstown, PA, and Wilson Blakey (Patricia), McGaheysville, VA; sister, Sarah Blakey Sampson, (Ralph, Sr.) Harrisonburg; sisters-in-law, Emily Blakey, Myrtle Blakey and Barbara Blakey; a host grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends 7-8:00 PM, Friday, January 7, at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM, at the Chapel of the funeral home on Saturday, January 7, with Dr. James M. Harrison and Rev. Collin Figueroa officiating. Burial will follow at Newtown Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.