Celebrating a diamond life

Staff

Published Sunday, March 30, 2003

Suffolk News-Herald

"It was true love."

That's Howard N. Williams' simple explanation for why he and Antoinette have endured and thrived in 60 years of marriage, and they've been through a lot.

"We've had our ups and downs, but none so severe we would separate," said Antoinette.

For starters, they married during World War II (March 6, 1943), a time when many essentials - much less luxuries - were scarce. "No sugar or gasoline or shoes," is how she remembers the time.

On their return from the honeymoon, the newlyweds first lived with his parents, then in 1950 got the place on Pitchkettle Road where they still live.

Though she is from the city of Suffolk (he from Nansemond County), Antoinette regards themselves as "country people." The years of farming peanuts, corn, soybeans, and potatoes ("shipped around the world," he said), back that statement up.

When farming became more trouble than it was worth, the Williams began developing their property in 1963. That legacy became nearby West Haven Lakes. They also created King's Point, she said.

A difficult time came in 1970 when their youngest son, Craig, died when he was 12. A congenital heart disease was the cause. As they remember him even now ("he had the highest grades in fifth-grade"), Howard's eyes began to glisten.

The family named Craig Drive in his memory.

But the Williams are blessed with other children: Ronald, Bruce and Joan Edwards. They in turn have David Williams, Tim Edwards, Amy Smith, and Ron Williams Jr. From them are five great-grandchildren, Miranda, Corinne, Ian, Maddie, and Elizabeth, who was born March 5.

"She's one of the great wives and mothers that ever lived," Howard said proudly.

When the Williamses weren't working, they were dancing or traveling. Their house contains decades of visits through the United States, to Russia, China, Japan, India, Egypt, and many European nations.

One of them summarized that time as "lots of fun."

And when they weren't traveling, each has their own civic and social obligations. Howard is a Shriner, a Mason, a Ruritan, active in Scouts, PTA and their church, Main Street United Methodist, where he was once board chairman. "Ron is chairman this year. I'm so proud of him," said Howard. Did we mention he has painted? Still lifes and landscapes dot the walls.

Antoinette is no less busy with still volunteering at the hospital. There's also her own church work and the Suffolk Woman's Club.

"We have a lot of memories," is how she sums it all up.

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