Betty Forbes “Betsy” Williams, 90, of Salem, Va., passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024. She was born in the Mount Pleasant area of Roanoke to Walter T. and Myrtle R. Forbes on April 27, 1934. She was a graduate of William Byrd High School where she excelled in basketball. Her childhood friends and family called her “Betsy.”
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Lottie Cronk, Jen Jones, and Mary Hogan.
Surviving is her loving husband of 70 years, Haywood Williams, and three children, Becky Gibson (“Gibby” Mike) of Vinton, Va., Larry Williams (Donna) of Elliston, Va., and Mark Williams (Karin) of Sarasota, Fla. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Ellen Bishop (Keith) of Greensboro, NC, Hayley Haynes (Matt) of Churchville, Md., Brian Williams (Melinda) of LaPlata, Md., and Valerie Thomas (Matthew) of Vinton, Va. Thirteen great-grandchildren are also left to cherish her memory.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Oakey’s North Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Women’s Outreach at Bethel Baptist Church, 1601 Colorado Street, Salem, VA 24153. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.Oakeys.com.
Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – North Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 362-1237.
