Irene Williams

Irene Holder Williams, 87, went to be with her Lord, Thursday, January 7, 2010. She was a native of Bradley County but lived in McMinn County for more than 50 years. She was the daughter of the late Luke and Addie Smith Holder of the White Oak Community. She was a member of Riceville Church of God where she taught the Senior Adult Sunday School class for 40 years. A graduate of Lee University, she was a beloved teacher having taught a total of 53 years; nine years in Bradley County and 44 years at Calhoun Elementary in McMinn County. She received honors from the governor for her long tenure of teaching. She loved her former students and reminisced school days to the very end. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar M. Williams of the Spring Creek Community; two sisters: Bessie L. Holder and Lucy Stanton; and three brothers: Newton N., William D., and Marvin T. Holder. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Jack R. and Jenell Williams; one stepson, Martin Williams; one step-grandson, Shane Williams; and one granddaughter, Jill Hannah Williams, all of Riceville. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 11, 2010, at 8:00 p.m., at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Doyle Prince and Rev. Wayne Fritz. Interment will be held Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 11:00 a.m., at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Athens. Serving as pallbearers will be David Pierce, Cliff Wright, Jim Holder, Gary Blair, Bill Christackos, and Jimmy Johnson. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service. Visitation will be held Monday, January 11, 2010, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Ralph Buckner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.