Beverly J. Williams

Beverly Jean Williams joined her husband in heaven during the early morning hours of June 9, 2024 at the age of 79. Comforted by the thoughts of their happy reunion, her family will still miss her physical presence in their lives.

She was born July 13, 1944 to John and May (Richmond) Ketola. She grew up in Dorset, Ohio, along with her older sister and younger brother. Beverly attended and graduated from the town's high school.

Family and faith were the focus of her life. Having a shy disposition, Beverly was drawn to contribute to causes dear to her heart in a behind-the-scenes manner. Much of her labors of love were done in support of family members and would go unnoticed by all but the few people blessed enough to know her well.

She was introduced to the man she would marry through mutual friends who set them up on a blind date. She married Ralph Williams in a simple home wedding on June 6, 1964. His outgoing personality complemented her more reserved nature, and they went on to settle in Jefferson, Ohio, where they raised their four children.

Beverly immersed herself in the role of homemaker for her growing family. Though being camera shy herself, Beverly enjoyed photographing others. She leaves behind a treasure trove of pictures of family events that otherwise would have been lost to history. Following Ralph's retirement, they and their sons were able to travel extensively in the country, including zoos and botanical gardens. Being an enthusiastic gardener, she especially loved tulips and magnolia trees. Beverly was passionate in her interest in missionary work and their efforts to help people in need throughout the world. Although life's circumstances did not allow her to serve in the mission field herself, she and her husband Ralph developed meaningful friendships throughout the years with several missionary couples. Over the years, she and her family attended several different churches, and she deeply cherished the fellowship of the people they met. The family's yearly time spent at Peniel Holiness Campgrounds was a tradition each summer that she looked forward to. Even as her and Ralph's recent health issues made it impossible for them to attend last year, knowing their friends in Christ from camp were praying for them brought them immense comfort. Beverly was faced with the challenge in the last year with going from being the family caregiver to needing help herself. Devastated by this change, she failed to thrive both physically and emotionally. Her husband’s final gift to her was to move into the Ashtabula County Nursing Home where she was rehabilitating to encourage her in the healing she had been praying for. He unexpectedly passed away almost a month before Beverly would join him in heaven, and just shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. Following her husband being called home, she experienced emotional healing and began to engage with her family and interests again.

She is survived by her children: Sharon (Rev. David) Justis, Timothy Williams, Rebecca (Charles) Johnson and David Williams; her grandchildren, Logan Justis and Kirsten Johnson (fiance Collin Brockmeyer), her sister, Joyce Ketola and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, John Ketola, her sister-in-law, Rhonda Ketola, and various aunts and uncles.

Though not in perfect health, Beverly's homecoming was still unexpected by the family. She expressed several times before her passing that she was deeply concerned that her children go on to live good lives after her being called home. It is now up to her children to do so.

In honor of Beverly's wishes, a graveside service for family and friends will be conducted by Rev. Larry Carr on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 2pm at the Oakdale Cemetery in Jefferson, Ohio.

Arrangements are being handled by the Fleming and Billman Funeral Home, 49 West Jefferson Street in Jefferson, Ohio.

Beverly and Ralph's children wish to thank the many people who blessed their parents lives with their friendship and acts of kindness, helping them navigate life's challenges together.

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