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Betty Williams Obituary

Hardy Williams, Betty J. The memorial services for Betty J. Hardy Williams, 93 1/2 years of age, formerly of Dearborn Park in Chicago will be held Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 E. 26th, Chicago, IL, 1-2pm. Light repast, 2-3pm. Born in Springfield, IL February 3, 1919 to father, Clifton Samuel Hardy and mother, Edyth Richardson Hardy (Webster), both deceased. She lived briefly in Washington, DC after WWII and for most of her life, in Chicago and Evanston, IL. After graduating from Englewood High School, where she was a marathon swimmer and attending the University of Illinois, Urbana she married George W. Williams, now deceased, whom she met in college. That union produced one son, Atty. Robert Bruce Williams (deceased May 2009). Betty received her BA degree in Elementary Education from Roosevelt University, Chicago and taught in the north side Chicago public schools for 20 years and also taught ill children in hospitals. The family moved to Evanston, where Betty was a soccer mom for her son and his sports and extracurricular activities. She served as president of the PTA and was active on several committees. Because her husband, George, was president of the graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Betty was active with the Alpha wives. Her husband wrote and published two books and several scholarly articles and she assisted him in some of the research. The close-knit family enjoyed their travels throughout the country and internationally, especially their timeshare in Cancun, Mexico. Betty's active church affiliations were Trinity Church on Darrow St. in Evanston and Trinity Episcopal Church in Chicago. The last two years of her life, Betty's family moved her to Toledo, OH to be near them. There, she was fairly active in the community and occasionally attended All Saints Episcopal Church with them. She suffered a stroke nine days before Thanksgiving of this year and passed away December 31, (New Year's Eve) at Park Cliffe Community surrounded by her loving Toledo family. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Muriel, who affectionately called her "Mom" (Robert, deceased) of Toledo, OH; Devoted grandson, John James of Toledo, OH; Cherished great-granddaughter, Jasmyne Jada of Toledo, OH; great-niece Pilar DeJesus of Chicago, IL; Rita Belle Phelps, loving cousin, of Springfield, IL; Robert J. Smith, cousin, of St. Paul, MN; Susan Johnson of Springfield, IL; Anita Malichi of Indianapolis, IN; Allen Smith of Rock Island, IL; lifelong friend, Alma Sturgis Williams, of Chicago, IL; dear friends, Billie Jordan ("BJ") of Houston, TX, Frank Spoto of Plainfield, IL, Hilton Joseph of Chicago, IL; many other loving relatives and a host of friends.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 24, 2013.
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Bob, as I reflect on the times we spent together over the years brings back nothing but fond memories. Though it has been a year, it seems like yesterday you were here with us. You gave much and ask for nothing in return. Love you Cuz!

Bj Jordan

February 19, 2013

Betty's birthday was on the 3rd of February. I'm sure she is celebrating with her husband and son. Enjoy your journey with those you loved.

Bj Jordan

February 4, 2013

It was such a blessing to meet Betty and spend an elegant Christmas dinner at our friend Frank's home, sharing intellectual insights and mutual, political passions. Betty was so kind, softspoken, and gentile. Later, she spoke well of me to my mom. That holiday, encounter, and all of its aftermath, touched my heart. From that day on, whenever my mother spoke of Betty, I revisited the affection that our first meeting had kindled in my heart. Even in her golden years, she was a beautiful lady, with a delicate and refined sensibility. Betty, you are one of the great ladies, and will be missed.

Sharon Jordan

January 27, 2013

In this time of sorrow words cannot convey the loss that I feel in the passing of Betty. She left an indelible mark in my memory... a very special lady. May God continue to bless her family.

Bj Jordan

January 25, 2013

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