November 12, 1927 - September 27, 2025
Betty Williams was born November 12, 1927, and passed away September 27, 2025, a few weeks shy of her 98th birthday. She was born in Nebraska and spent most of her childhood in South Dakota, as one of twelve children. She was very close with her parents and siblings.
Betty went to St. Vincent’s College of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa and later worked in the polio ward of Denver General Hospital. Soon after graduation she met George Williams, a doctor finishing his training at the University of Colorado. They were married on September 12, 1950, and moved to California so that George could report to the Oakland Naval Station Hospital, where he served during the Korean War. Ten months later Mary Jo was born, followed in quick succession by Lou Ann, Jeri, Mike and Gina. They moved to Lodi in 1953, where Betty had family. Betty was busy raising her children but also found time to travel, play golf and her favorite pastimes were shopping and following her Giants and 49ers. She was the life of the party; she loved to entertain, and she and George had a busy social life. They played golf in all 50 states and several other countries. When her children were grown, she and George bought a second home in Manzanillo, Mexico, where she spent many winters and enjoyed making new friends.
Betty knew she was blessed to live a long, happy and healthy life. She loved spending time with her growing family, including her son-in-law Blake and daughter-in-law Stacy who were both very special to her. She and the entire family spent annual summer vacations in Lake Tahoe and holidays in Lodi. A phenomenal cook, she hosted every Thanksgiving and Christmas in her home, preparing everyone’s favorite dishes on her own well into her 90’s. She was “Ticker” to George, and she was “Nana” to her 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In just the past few months, Betty was thrilled to learn about an upcoming wedding and another baby on the way. She made everyone giggle with her email name of “Beefeater Betty,” a fun reference to her nightly cocktail ritual.
Her family misses her already, but she leaves us with an incredible legacy of love and affection. “Nana” stories will be part of her legacy for generations to come. She will be missed.
Services for Betty will be a private family affair. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the George and Betty Williams scholarship fund at Saint Mary’s High School, 5648 North El Dorado Street, Stockton, CA 95207, Attention: Sharon Caporusso.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Williams family.