Janice Mae Williams

Janice Mae Williams, beloved mother, grandmother, and retiree from Tazewell County schools, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2022, in Abingdon, VA, following a long illness. She was 77 years old.

Janice is survived by her daughter Sharon Williams Smith and husband Tim Smith of Abingdon, VA, son Robert Williams and Michelle Williams of Tazewell, VA, and daughter Deana Williams Farmer and husband Phil Farmer of Dalton, GA, and her grandchildren Sierra Smith Thomas and husband Seth of Abingdon, VA, Erin Farmer of Alexandria, VA, Rayven Williams of Glen Dale, WV, Garrett Williams of Tazewell, VA, and Jared Williams of Tazewell, VA. She is predeceased by her husband Bobby Ray Williams and her parents Isaac and Evelyn Way.

Born in May 1945, she grew up in Boissevain, VA, an unincorporated community in Tazewell County, where she met and married her husband, Bobby, in September 1960. Married for more than 30 years, she was completely devoted to her family and spent the early years of her married life working in the home, raising and advocating for her children. She began her work with Tazewell County Schools in 1981 and retired from her cafeteria manager position at Tazewell High School with 31 years of service. She was a talented caterer, often sought after to cater after-hours school and community events.

Janice was an avid gardener who enjoyed planting flowers in the spring and caring for them throughout the growing season. She was an experienced crafter and puzzler, and when the weather turned cooler, she explored new forms of crafting and was inspired to spend hours perfecting her designs. As she crafted and completed her puzzles, she was always accompanied by her dog Jazzy, a faithful companion. During the Christmas season, she always delighted her family with her beautiful decorations, and by baking her famous treats, such as her delicious peanut butter pinwheels, pies, and fruit cakes.

Janice was a spiritual person and will be missed by all who knew her. While there will not be a visitation period, a graveside service will be attended by family and friends on Tuesday May 17, 2022, 11:00am in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Robby Coggins officiating. Robert Williams, Phil Farmer, Tim Smith, and Seth Thomas serving as pallbearers.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. The family of Janice M. Williams is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 24210 (276-623-2700).