Jeanette Yvonne Williams

Jeanette Yvonne Williams was born to Glen and Sarah Jane Ray on July 19, 1926 in Terre Haute,
Indiana.

She attended Terre Haute area public schools and graduated from Riley High School in 1944. As
a high school student, Jeanette was editor of the school newspaper.

While still in high school, her cousin Ruth Criss asked her to write letters to a young man from
Terre Haute serving in World War II in the United States Army-Air Force. His name was Wayne
Williams. Jeanette wrote the first letter, launching a lifelong romance. The pair began
exchanging correspondence and the rest is history. In the summer of 1944, they went on their
first date, which happened to be a family picnic. She fondly recalled those happy days and
laughed with a wink when remembering that at that time, such picnics were called "weenie
roasts."

For about two years, the couple had a long-distance dating relationship until the war ended in
1945. On March 3, of 1946, Jeanette and Wayne were married in Terre Haute. They celebrated
their honeymoon in Indianapolis, dining and dancing.

The couple moved to Chicago where Wayne attended art school. They later relocated to
Colorado where they raised their three beloved sons, Allen, Christopher and Bryan. In
retirement, they loved to travel, golf, and spend time with family and friends.

Jeanette was blessed with eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

In contemplating her life, Jeanette said her biggest lessons learned include the importance of
forgiveness, living without regret, and embracing one's faith as a source of strength. She spoke
often of being comforted by reading the Holy Bible and especially the Book of Psalms, quoting a
particular verse, Psalm 138:1-3:

"Lord, with all my heart I thank you. I will sing your praises before the armies of angels. I face
your Temple as I worship, giving thanks to you for all your lovingkindness and your faithfulness,
for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. When I pray, you answer me, and
encourage me by giving me all the strength I need."

Shelter Service, Monday, January 27, 2020 at 11:15 am at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Shelter C.
Please meet at Staging Area "C" by 11:00 am.