Gladys Marie Hawkins Williams, age 100 (just 33 days shy of 101), went home to be with the Lord on September 29, 2025. She was born November 2, 1924 at Enterprise, WV, the daughter of the late William Howard Hawkins and Eunice Evelyn Johnson Hawkins. She was the (ever-loving and patient) wife of Thural Wandel Williams.
In addition to her parents and husband of 69 years, she was preceded in death by one son, Thural Wandel Williams, Jr., one daughter, Denise Colleen Williams Niese, two sisters: Thelma Pigott and Helen Hawkins, six brothers: Howard, Gale, Calvin, Allen, Jesse, and Richard, two sons-in-law: Brooks Moyers and Mark C. Minney.
She is survived by daughters: Linda Moyers (Jerry B. Allen) of Flatwoods, WV, Marlene Minney of Perkins, WV, Ruth Ann Jacops (Richard “Jake”) of Rosedale, WV, one son, Warren Williams of Vermilion, OH, son-in-law, Dale Niese of Northwood, OH, 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews.
Gladys was a 1942 Shinnston High School, Shinnston, WV graduate.
Gladys was a hard worker starting at a very young age hoeing corn for local farmers, working in a coal mine company store, raising huge gardens, feeding cattle, canning thousands of jars of food. She loved raising flowers and weed eating – keeping her home and yard immaculate – along with making “tons” of peanut butter and chocolate fudge for the benefit of her adult children and her grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities (also, for relatives at numerous family reunion gatherings).
Gladys and Thural returned to WV from Ohio after retiring in 1987. After raising her family, she was a valued employee for several years at Convenient Food Mart in Vermilion, OH.
During her final years, she made her home with her daughter, Linda, at Flatwoods, WV.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to WV Caring, PO Box 760
Arthurdale, WV 26520.
The family received family and friends from 2 to 3:30 P.M. on Sunday, October 5, 2025 with her funeral service conducted at 3:30 P.M. by Reverend Mason McCann at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton St., Gassaway, WV.
Gladys’ request for cremation will be honored following her services and a private inurnment service will be at Rosedale Baptist Church Cemetery in November.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
