Paula Lavon Williams

Obituary Paula Hill Williams, 79, of Beaufort, NC, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2020 at Vidant Medical Center following a valiant struggle with cancer and a life-ending stroke. At Paulas request, a graveside service officiated by Rev. Taylor Mills will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 21, 2020 at Carteret Memorial Gardens in her beloved Beaufort. Paula was born on November 20, 1940 in Beaufort, NC, to Harry and Pauline Hill. She grew up with her younger siblings Alton and Harriett; and was later joined by siblings Donna Willis Bennett and Donald "Donnie" T. Willis II when her mom remarried. Paula graduated from Beaufort High School in 1959 where she was voted "friendliest" and "most dependable" by her classmates. She remained close with many of her classmates and was instrumental in planning their class reunions. Paula married Joseph Williams of Newport, NC, and they shortly moved away. Due to Joes career in the Coast Guard, they raised their two daughters in various locations around the U.S. including Ketchikan, Alaska, and Woodbridge, Virginia. They returned home to Beaufort in 1973 and Paula worked for the Carteret County school system in various positions before retiring in 2004. She devoted the remainder of her life to her children, grandchildren, siblings and life-long friends. She had an everlasting faith and love for Ann Street United Methodist Church and its congregation. Paula enjoyed travelling when she could, making the most of trips to see her daughter Jo Anne and three grandsons as they moved from locations such as Washington, D.C., Okinawa, Japan, San Francisco, and San Diego, CA. She took many trips to visit her brother Alton in Virginia and enjoyed watching him coach state playoff games. She visited extended family in Florida and returned to Alaska on a life-renewing cruise. Despite the excitement of such trips, it was her home, family, and friends in Beaufort and Morehead City that gave her the greatest joy. Home is where lunches with her daughter Jackie or enjoying the company of her granddaughter Mary Elizabeth were an everyday enjoyment. Paula loved entertaining and always had a meal ready which would include some type of seafood and fresh bread. She leaves behind two daughters, Jo Anne and her husband, John Wilkerson; Jackie Williams Lancaster and her husband, John Curtis Lancaster; grandsons, Nicolas, Timothy, and Zachary Wilkerson; granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Lancaster; and great-grandchildren, Alice, Wells, and Ruby Wilkerson; brothers, Alton and his wife, Debra Hill; Donald "Donnie" T. and his wife, Cathy Willis II; and sister, Donna Willis Bennett. Paula was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Harriett; and great-granddaughter London. Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.org Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC. Services Graveside Service Friday February 21, 2020 11:00 AM Carteret Memorial Gardens of Beaufort