Rita Williams

Rita L. Williams passed away at the John F. Keever Jr. Solace Center on December 14, 2020.  Rita was born in New York City, the oldest daughter of Alex and Selma Levine.

Rita met and married a fellow educator, Alan Williams, in 1964. Rita was a voracious reader and was a reading teacher for 20 years.  While working and raising a young family, Rita attended SUNY Brockport, where she obtained her Master’s in administration, as well as a earning a Master’s from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Rita and Alan taught in Ellenville, NY, until moving to Plattsburgh, where her children were born.  Rita later resided in Batavia, where she became Vice Principal of Batavia Middle School and held that position for 15 years.

Rita and Alan retired to Asheville, North Carolina, in 2000.

Rita enjoyed traveling and was an avid and accomplished, gifted quilter, producing over 100 beautiful quilts. She was president of the Asheville Quilt Guild in 2008.  Her sewing room was her haven, where she enjoyed being creative and spending time.

Rita volunteered for 15 years at the Folk Art Center/Southern Highland Craft Guild in Asheville, where a quilt will be donated in her memory.  She taught classes there to beginning quilters to pursue their dream of quilting.  A quilt Rita made will also be donated to The John F. Keever Jr.  Solace Center.

She was a wonderful, loving grandmother to her grandchildren, Alexandra and Austin Walker, who affectionately referred to her as “Nina”.

"My Nina was one of the most incredible women I have ever known.  I have so many happy memories with her, and I will miss her every day."   - Alexandra (granddaughter)

"She was the best grandmother anyone could ever ask for.  Nina was one of the most generous and intelligent souls I know.  I will always cherish the memories we made together.  I miss her dearly." - Austin (grandson)

"My mom was my best friend and we spoke daily.  She was always there for me and the best mother a daughter could hope for.  I will carry mom's memory in my heart each day."   - Traci (daughter)

Sadly, Rita passed away after a sudden illness.  Her daughter, Traci, was at her side.  Rita is survived by her husband, Alan C. Williams, and son, Michael Williams; daughter, Traci Walker, two grandchildren, Alexandra Walker and Austin Walker; a sister, Susan Hauer, and brother, Barry Levine.

A celebration of Rita’s life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita’s memory can be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation at myasthenia.org.