Phila Owens Williams

Phila Owens Williams, 83, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Born December 11, 1928 in Laurel Hill, NC, Phila lived the majority of her childhood years in the Brightsville Community outside Gibson, NC. She was born to the late Joseph and Lila Owens and was a graduate of Wingate College. She spent several years employed at Richmond Savings and Loan as well as Spratt Savings in Loan in Chester, SC. After retiring and re-locating back to Rockingham, she became actively involved in her church and community. She was a member of the Rockingham Woman’s Club, the Lydia Ruth Sunday School Class at First Baptist and volunteered her time with the election board, the Potters House, Reach for Recovery cancer outreach and the American Red Cross. Phila will be remembered as the most loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt. She particularly enjoyed being with family, especially during the holidays and at yearly reunions. She was known for always giving of herself to others and having an incredibly positive attitude in any situation. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jesse Williams of Rockingham; a son, Mark Williams and wife Anne, of Charlotte; 4 grandchildren, Hunter Williams and wife, Sallie of Greenville, SC, Emily Williams King and husband, Scott of Raleigh, John McLean Williams and Edmund Addison Williams of Charlotte; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Bill Owens and Gerald Owens and wife, Thena and many loving nieces and nephews. A beloved son, Jerry Williams, preceded her in death. A celebration of the life of Phila Williams, officiated by Dr. James Nelson, will be held Thursday, June 21st at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Rockingham. A reception will follow in the church parish hall. The family will receive friends 7:00 PM Wednesday, June 20th at Carter Funeral Home, 705 S. Caroline St, Rockingham, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church, 201 Randolph St., Rockingham, NC, 28379.