LaVerne Williams, 84, of The Villages, FL, passed away on Saturday, February 4, 2017. She was born in Eugene, MO, and is survived by her husband of 59 years, Col. Peter Williams (USAF, Ret.). Col. and Mrs. Williams were long-time residents of Tacoma and Steilacoom, WA, and active members of Tacoma Yacht Club prior to moving to Florida. LaVerne is also survived by daughters Stacey Williams of Denver, CO, Leslie Williams-Lana of Winter Springs, FL, and Janet Griffin of Winter Springs, FL, as well as three granddaughters.
LaVerne met Lt. Pete Williams, a young Air Force fighter pilot, while working for Eastern Airlines reservations in St. Louis, MO. When they married, she became a consummate officer’s wife, living throughout the US and Europe. She was committed to charity and compassion to others, including supporting the families of service members who were missing in action or prisoners of war. With quick wit and a ready smile, LaVerne could put total strangers at ease. Her sense of humor and big heart will be missed by her family and many friends.
A funeral mass will be celebrated in LaVerne’s honor at St. Timothy Catholic Church, The Villages, FL on Friday, February 24, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Hospice of Marion County.