Obituary of Joan B. Williams

Joan B. Williams, 98, of Fortescue passed away peacefully on July 1, 2018.  She was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 22, 1920 to the late William and Nellie (Creed) Burbank.  Joan married the love of her life, Clifford S. Williams on May 9, 1941 and lived in various areas of the United States and Europe during her husband’s distinguished years of service with the United States Army.  Following the death of her husband on August 14, 1958, Joan settled in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and remained there for the next thirty-eight years.  While residing in Pottstown, she worked at The Hill School and eventually became an active member of the Pottstown Senior center, where she could often be found playing bridge or scrabble and teaching line dancing.  Joan could shout out dance instructions like a drill sergeant!   

Joan eventually moved to Fortescue, NJ in 1996, where she joined the Downe Township Senior Center and continued to enjoy line dancing and playing cards.  She was an avid reader her entire life and dearly loved solving the crossword puzzle and crypto-quote every morning with her cup of coffee and toast.  Joan also enjoyed listening to audio books.  She was an active member of Fortescue Chapel, where she attended Sunday services and played the piano.  

She was predeceased by her husband of 17 years Clifford Smith Williams, and brothers Neil Burbank and Paul Burbank.  Joan is survived by her daughters, Gail Newstein of Ocala, FL and Laurie Williams of Fortescue, NJ, granddaughters Lisa Lawrence and her husband Michael of Richmond VA and Megan Brakefield and her husband Cleve and her great granddaughter Abigail, of Mequon, WI.   

A memorial service will be held at Fortescue Chapel on Tuesday July 10th.  Visitation with the family is from 10 -11am followed by the service at 11am.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s name may be made to the Salvation Army, 29 W. Commerce St., Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or to the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, 2009 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401.  Arrangements are under the direction of the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Cedarville.  Written condolences can be sent to the family at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.