Edith Young (Andrews) Williams

Edith Young Andrews Williams, age 98, died on January 11, 2024.

Mrs. Williams was born on September 18, 1925, in Durham, NC, to Etoile Young Andrews and Otho Young Andrews. She graduated from Durham High School and attended Women’s College of the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, NC prior to graduating from Duke University in 1947.

While at Duke University, she met a young Navy enlistee, Thomas Duke Williams, Jr., who was soon serving in the Pacific theatre in World War II. Upon his return, they married on August 27, 1948. They became the parents of Edith W. Holland (Walter) of Statesville, Thomas Duke Williams III (Nancy) of Durham, Andrew Cotton Williams (Cathy) of Atlanta, Jane W. Smith (Bob) of Durham, and Mary Anne W. Inglis (Bob) of Travelers Rest, SC. In addition to their children, Mrs. Williams is survived by sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

As the matriarch of a large and energetic family, Mrs. Williams was immersed in activities such as youth sports, Girl and Boy Scouts, church school and Parent-Teacher Organizations. She served as a Deacon and in the Women of the Church at the First Presbyterian Church of Statesville. She was the driving behind the founding of ElderCenter, the first facility in Iredell County for Adult Day Care.

Mrs. Williams was an avid knitter and needle worker. Many in her extended family have been the recipients of Christmas stockings, sweaters, needlework pillows or eyeglass cases. She also was a voracious reader and an excellent cook.

In 2015, the Williamses moved to The Pines at Davidson. They continued to consider Statesville their home. In Davidson, Mrs. Williams continued her habit of reading widely and deeply; of giving attention to current world events; of interest in the lives of her family.

A graveside service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in Durham, NC at a date yet to be determined.

Memorials can be directed to The Pines at Davidson Residents’ Fund, 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036.