Mary Williams passed away peacefully, at home, at the age of 97, on June 25, 2019. She and her husband had lived in Northern Virginia since 1952, when James, an Air Force veteran, was stationed at Fort Meyer, VA. They moved from North Springfield to Lakeridge in 1971.
Mary was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, James Williams, in 1996. She was the oldest of five, and predeceased by all four siblings: Rose, Carmen, Nancy and Janet. Born prematurely at seven months, weighing a little over three pounds, Mary was a survivor from the start, and never changed. Her four children, Kathy (Jerry), Sandy, Scott (Marci), and Cynthia (Lowell), gave her 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Since 1997, Mary has been living with her daughter Cynthia, son-in-law Lowell, and four grandchildren. She often attributed her long life to being blessed with their loving care and attention.
If asked for her definition of enjoyment, Mary would answer, “time with my kids, grandkids and great grandkids”, as each one brought great joy to her heart. She was an avid gardener in her early years, and loved her weekly Bingo later in life. It was through her Bingo that Mary met and maintained many important friendships through the years.
Being part of what is considered “The Greatest Generation”, Mary had seen almost 100 years of life. She was born the same year radio began regular broadcasting, lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the first movie with sound, introduction of phones in every home and highways spread across the nation, commercial air travel, the invention of television, computers, space exploration, smart phones, and much much more…she saw it all! Mary had an endless collection of interesting stories from her long life that no one ever tired of hearing. What an amazing life she had!
Another important piece of “that which was Mary”, was the perseverance, determination and resilience she maintained through the tough times in life. Her faith in God was not displayed publicly, or even outwardly, but was revealed instead during quiet talks and in brave actions, throughout her long life.
Along with love of family and friends, Mary had great appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities found in the United States. She had great respect for all who have served and fought to protect them. She will be buried with her husband at Quantico Marine Corp Base.
There will be a visitation held at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home 13318 Occoquan Road Woodbridge, VA on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 10am until the start of the service at 11am. Interment to follow at Quantico National Cemetery.
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
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Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
