Della Williams, 78, formerly of Dunbar, passed away Friday evening, May 19, 2006 surrounded by her family.

She was born Delberta Rae Jolliffe on July 25, 1928 in Mannington, West Virginia to Ardelia Loudenslager and John Jolliffe, the youngest of four girls. Della cherished her memories of her family and of growing up in Mannington.

Della was a 1945 graduate of Mannington High School. Soon after graduation, like many young women who came of age during World War II, she moved to Washington D.C. to work as one of the thousands of 'Government Girls,' filling the wartime need for U.S. government office workers. By the end of 1945 she happily left behind life in a big city and returned to Mannington where she worked several years as a telephone operator for C&P Telephone.

In 1948 Della married Bob Williams of Fairmont and began her lifelong career as a wife and mother. Two children, Rosalie and Andy, were born in Fairmont before the family moved to Dunbar in the early 1950's when Bob went to work for the McJunkin Corporation. Two more children, Bobby and Robin, were born after the move to Dunbar. Della was a dedicated and loving mother who was always willing to set aside her own activities to devote her time and effort to her children's wants and needs. In the expected chaos of a home with four growing children, she was the point that kept everyone centered.

In 1986 Bob & Della moved to Teays Valley where she served on the Board of the Fairway Gardens Homeowner's Association. Della returned to Dunbar several years ago, then moved last year to Cross Lanes to live with her daughter Robin and her family. She flourished under their love and care.

Della was a member of Humphrey's Memorial United Methodist Church in Dunbar. For many years she was an active bowler at Dunbar Lanes, then owned by her brother-in-law Joe Williams. Although she had always helped at Dunbar Lanes as needed and for special events, she was a fulltime employee in the 1970's and 1980's. Starting in 1998, she was for several years a Hospice volunteer, doing home visitations in Putnam County. Della was an avid reader and could often be found with a library book in her hands and her well-spoiled Yorkie, Kasey, at her feet.

Most of all, Della loved her family and especially her grandchildren. She delighted in their triumphs and exploits, loved to laugh at their antics, and would always be in the midst of any lively banter and teasing that was happening. She touched many lives. Grateful to have had her presence in our lives, her absence will always be felt. She will be forever loved.

Della was preceded in death by her son, Andrew Joseph Williams, her husband, Robert Franklin Williams, and two sisters, Marguerite Thomas and Eileen Moore.

Survivors include her sister Delores Lough, of Roanoke, Virginia; her daughter and husband, Rosie and Ed Dawson of Dunbar; her son and wife, Bob and Kim Williams of Satellite Beach, Florida; her daughter and husband, Robin & Sam Pritt of Cross Lanes; grandchildren Lisa Farmer Smith, and her husband Dan of Charleston; Drew, Grant, and Kent Williams; Chelsa and Evan Pritt; and two great-grandchildren Robbie Farmer and Matt Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to: Kanawha Hospice, 1143 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064.

Memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2006, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Loretta D. Isaiah officiating.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.