Mary Ann Keefe Williams, 84, of 119 Lee Court, Lake Lure, NC died Thursday, September 9th, 2010 in her home on Youngs Mountain South, Lake Lure. Mrs. Williams was born in Nashville, TN on July 20, 1926 to the late Dr. John Keefe, II and Rosalie Litterer. She received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1948 and went on to pursue three Masters Degrees from Vanderbilt in Bacteriology, Chemistry and Biology. Mrs. Williams headed up the laboratory department at the Veteran's Hospital in Nashville before moving to Miami, FL in the early 60's. Her interest in archaeology led her to a free lance position with National Geographic that allowed her to study several ancient sites around the world. She married Clement Newell Williams in 1963 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Miami, FL where they later became involved in the Faith Alive Ministry. Mrs. Williams later joined Old Cutler Presbyterian Church where she and her husband were instrumental in building the new sanctuary. She ministered weekly by singing at the local retirement homes and led Bible studies at home and at the church. She was a member of the Coral Gables Chapter of the DAR and the Coral Gables Music Club. An avid dog lover, Mrs. Williams was a member of the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America where she was a recognized breeder and Yorkie rescue volunteer. After moving permanently to Lake Lure, Mrs. Williams became actively involved in Yokefellow Ministries and Meals on Wheels. She was a founding member of Fairfield Mountains Chapel and Mountains Community Church, now Lake Lure Baptist. She used her beautiful soprano voice to the glory of God in the Chapel Choir and in various ensembles and choral groups around the county. Mrs. Williams is survived by her daughters, Gale Newell Williams Wilson of Lake Lure, NC, Cynthia Williams Lowrey of Hiram GA, Wendy Melissa Williams Connolly of Germantown, MD and Katharine DeSelding Williams Welch of Dallas, GA. She is also survived by her brother Dr. Jack Keefe, III of Pawley's Island, SC, sister Elizabeth Keefe Harless of West Columbia, SC and three grandsons, Jarrett Robert Wallace & Ryan Newell Wallace of GA and Brian Joseph Connolly of MD. A memorial service of celebration will be held on Saturday, September 18th at 11:00am at Fairfield Mountains Chapel, Lake Lure, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or Fairfield Mountains Chapel Compassion Fund, 1384 Buffalo Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746.
To
to the family, please