Gertrude Hendrix Williams’ 90 years of living life to its fullest with faith in her God, family happiness and community affection was celebrated this month. Her three children, their spouses and smiles of “grands and greats’’ were the lighted candles of congratulations and love for her at her home on Hacklebarney Road for this special birthday of June 18, 1932.
Hacklebarney Community has been Williams’ home since 1969. She and her husband Leaston Williams moved to their home from Hoboken. Both were born and reared in Hoboken, fell in love and were married in 1948. He served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring after 21 years of service. Entering the service a the age of 17, he served in Germany, the Canal Zone, North Carolina and South Carolina. His death in April 30, 2014, caused future birthday candles to be not so bright for the family.
Besides the many activities of rearing her three children and maintaining her home, Williams worked for many years at J. C. Penney Co., from where she retired. She always said she was blessed to live near her sister Mae Hendrix Justice and her husband Andy Justice. Both deceased, their home was situated on Highway 84, around the corner from the Williams’ home.
A dedicated woman of God, according to her family, Williams has always enjoyed her Sunday School Class and worshipping at Blackshear First Baptist Church. A great cook, she has enjoyed her vegetable gardens and always treated her family to “fried chicken’’ every Sunday. “All love her dearly and so appreciate her,’’ said her family.
Williams’ parents are the late Julie Altman Hndrix and John Hendrix of Hoboken. Mr. Williams’ parents are the late Orie and Archie Williams of Hoboken.
Children praising and thanking their mother include: David and Harriett Williams of Hacklebarney Community, Dennis and Roni Williams of Orange Park, Fla. and Cindy and Terry Kenney who live with her mother. Sharing the joy and love of their grandmother are five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
