Betty A. Williams

Betty A. (Reed) Williams, age 80, of Nunnawauk Meadows in Newtown died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Monday, January 19, in Danbury Hospital following a short illness.

Mrs Williams was the widow of the late Robert L. Williams. A note found this week that had been written by Betty called Mr Williams the love of her life.

She had lived at 79 Main Street in Newtown before moving to Nunnawauk Meadows.

Betty was born in Henderson, N.C., on January 25, 1923. She was a daughter of the late Joseph L. and Kathryn (Davis) Reed. She had no siblings but 14 cousins thanks to the five aunts and four uncles in her family.

Betty lived much of her young life in Montclair, N.J., where her best friend was Angelina Russo. Her favorite childhood activities included running, paying baseball and climbing trees. She attended St Paul’s Baptist Church in Montclair.

By the time she was 15 Betty’s family had moved to New York City, where she first went to PS 36 and then George Washington High School. She graduated from high school in January 1941.

While in New York City she attended services and participated in the events of Abbesenia Baptist Church.

As a teenager Betty would babysit. She began what she called her first “real” job in December 1941, working at Picatenny Arsenal as a timekeeper.

With her family, Betty moved to Newtown in 1968. She then began to work as a supervisor for Benrus Watch Company in Brookfield, which she called her favorite job.

Betty was a longtime and very active member of Newtown Congregational Church, which she began attending in 1969. She served as a deacon and was a leader of the church’s Circle of Faith, part of NCC’s Women’s Fellowship. She was also a member of Church Women United in Newtown/Bethel. She was on CWU/Newtown-Bethel’s board as its worship coordinator and nominating committee.

With her strong, sure voice, Betty loved to do readings during CWU programs and other special events, and enjoyed singing hymns.

She was also a Sunday School Prayer Partner for Newtown Congregational Church.

Betty is survived by two daughters, Kathryn Reed and Robbin High, both of Douglasville, Ga.; two granddaughters, Claudine Rucker of Yonkers, N.Y., and Yeavonne Cox of Norfolk, Va.; a son-in-law, Danny High of Douglasville, Ga.; a grandson-in-law, Lee Cox of Norfolk, Va.; two great-grandsons, Tyrell and Shawn Cox of Norfolk, Va.; two stepdaughters, Willie Mae Burke and Gladys Williams of South Carolina; a step-grandson, Murdis James of Richmond, Va.; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends of all ages.

She is survived by a total of 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, her adopted son Bob Keegan, and adopted daughter Brenda Pisco.

A Going Home Service was held for Betty on Thursday, January 22, at Newtown Congregational Church. In celebrating her life members of Betty’s family sang one of her favorite hymns, “I Am The Sparrow,” and also “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Her friends and family joined together to sing the hymns “Blessed Assurance” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Burial will be in the spring in Newtown Village Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Honan Funeral Home of Newtown.

Memorial contributions may be made to Newtown Congregational Church, 41-A Main Street, Newtown CT 06470.

The Newtown Bee        January 23, 2004