Florene Ikerd Williams, 97, passed away peacefully at Abernethy Laurels on Saturday, September 14, 2024.

Flo was born February 20, 1927, in Catawba County to the late George Preston Ikerd and Lela Belle Propst Ikerd. She, along with her twin sister, Lorene, and their siblings Jean and Reid, grew up outside of Maiden on a family farm, surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins.

When WWII ended and the men came home, Flo met her future husband, a handsome Army paratrooper, Robert Cline (Bob) Williams. On June 1, 1948, she and Bob were married, beginning a wonderful 58 treasured years together with their three children and six grandchildren.

Flo was predeceased by her parents, Lela and George Ikerd; husband, Robert Cline Williams; oldest son, Robert Preston Williams; twin sister, Lorene Martin; son-in-law, William Douglas Freeman, and special sisters/brothers-in-law.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Larry Eugene Williams (Sabrina); daughter Janet Williams Freeman; grandchildren Justin Freeman, Carson Taylor (Cole), Megan Brown (Eric), Aubrey Gregory (Steve), Beth Greene (Seth), James Freeman (Betty); five great-grandchildren; her sister, Jean Link; brother Reid Ikerd (Judy); and treasured cousins, nieces and nephews from both the Ikerd and Williams families.

Flo was a member of First United Methodist in Newton for over 70 years. She was devoted to her close family and countless friends – the highlight of her active 97 years. She and Bob cherished social events and travel with a large social circle. After his passing in 2005, Flo continued to stay active, amazingly up until her death. For many decades she was an avid couples and club Bridge player, as well as a member of the Newton Garden Club, the NC Eastern Star, FUM church choir and the Parker class. Her many talents and interests included oil painting, gardening, decorating, and entertaining.

Flo was the epitome of a Southern lady, both sassy and sweet, and will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother and Mimi, loyal sister and aunt and cherished friend. Her ninety- seven years were well-lived and her impact on countless lives, immeasurable.

A service to celebrate Flo’s life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Newton. Rev. Josh Sherfey will officiate. Burial will follow in the family plot at St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10-10:45 a.m. in the church Welcome Center.

Memorials to honor Flo’s legacy may be made to First United Methodist Church, 300 N Main Ave, Newton, NC 28658.

Condolences may be sent to the Williams family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Williams family.