MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Martha Elam Williams, 89, passed away Monday, June 14, 2010 at her residence.
Born in Suffolk, Va., on Oct. 17, 1920, she was the only child of the late William Gordon and Mary Woodward Elam. Martha was a graduate of Suffolk High School and Hollins College. After college, she taught physics at UNC-Greensboro, followed by working in the Navy Shipyard in Norfolk, Va. during World War II. Martha married Luther Rawls “Gus” Williams in 1946. He passed away in 1980. She was a long time member of the Episcopal Church in Park Ridge, Ill., where she was active in many charitable organizations, especially the Treasure Chest. Martha typed Braille books for the Chicago Braille Club, was active in the DAR and PEO for 47 years and was a volunteer at the Park Ridge, Ill. Public Library. She enjoyed watching her Chicago Bulls, Cubs and Bears teams and passed her loved of sports on to her children. Martha had a “green thumb” and enjoyed gardening.
Surviving are three sons, Luther Rawls Williams Jr., Md., and his wife, Barbara, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Gordon Elam Williams and his wife, Kim, of Park Ridge, Ill., and James Howard Williams and his wife, India, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Becks, of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Trout and her husband, Zack, Kristina Gordon and her husband, Andrew, Mara Becks, Jason Williams and his wife, Megan, Elizabeth Williams, Christopher Williams and Jessica Williams; three great-grandchildren, Jack Thomas Williams, Zoe Alexa Gordon and Lukas Matthew Gordon.
Memorial services will be announced at a later time. An online guest register is available at www.msfh.net. McMillan-Small Funeral Home is serving the family.