Betty Ruth Shepherd Williams of Hickory, NC passed away at her home around 9 p.m. on June 23, 2008. She was 76.

Betty Ruth was born February 28, 1932 to Grover and Ethel Walker Shepherd. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Wilburn Shepherd, Walter Shepherd, and Blaine Shepherd; one sister, Edith Shepherd Howard.

Betty Ruth was formerly married to Homer Williams of Statesville, who survives. Survivors include: two sons, Mark Williams and wife Vickey of North Wilkesboro and Neal Williams of the home; two daughters, Susie Williams Clanton of Statesville, and Kay Williams Blackwood and husband James of Conover; two brothers, Ralph Shepherd and wife Joyce of Cumming, GA, and Mont Shepherd of Grassy Creek, NC; one sister, Myrtle Shepherd Pugh of Lancaster, PA; five grandchildren, Amber and Branna Williams of North Wilkesboro, John Clanton of Boone, Elizabeth Blackwood of Conover, and Latelle Williams of the home; several nieces and nephews.

Viewing and visitation will be held 3:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday, June 29th at Nicholson Funeral Home located at 135 Front Street in Statesville, NC. Funeral services will follow with the Rev. Carl Ray Williams officiating. Burial and a grave side service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, June 30th at New River Baptist Church Cemetery in Grassy Creek, NC conducted by Rev. Reeves Jones. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Betty Ruth will be laid to rest beside her parents. Badger Funeral Home of West Jefferson, NC will be in charge of the burial arrangements. Memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse in Boone.

Also See:

Online Guest Book for Betty Williams from the Statesville Record & Landmark.

Betty Williams Obituary from the Statesville Record & Landmark.