The Pinecone
|
November 2014
• 7 •
Life requires resilience to help us cope with unanticipated and
unwelcome events that come to us “out of the blue”; events that
strike at the core of who we are; events that force us to make
adjustments in order to go on living. “Life is what you make of
it”, a banal truism that also holds a kernel of truth, demanding an
action from us to deal
with unexpected and
unwelcome events.
Myrtle Williams was
married for 67 years to
Joseph Richard Williams
(
J.R. Williams), the love
of her life. They have
two daughters, nine
grandchildren, eleven
great grandchildren,
and four great great
grandchildren.
“
And the beauty of a
woman, with passing
years only grows!”
―
Audrey Hepburn
Both had demanding professional careers; J.R. for 39 years
as Superintendent of the Memphis and Little Rock Pullman
Company; and later, a real estate business; retiring at age 65. J.R.
recognized that his bride was a workaholic. In a Tribute to His
Sweetheart, he wrote “she would be absolutely perfect if she did
not spend so much time on the darn computer. I am going to take
her out to the woodshed for an adjustment”.
Myrtle held the title of Executive Director of Sales, Welcome
Wagon, International, retiring at age 62. Around 10 years of
age, she was drawn to the spiritual aspect of life, and began to
attend church and read her Bible. As an adult, she spent several
enjoyable years teaching classes for young women at Briarcrest
Baptist Church.
J.R. passed away in 2002 and Myrtle moved to Kirby Pines in
2003.
Being self-sufficient was important to her, and she utilized
opportunities made available to all Kirby Pines residents to
maintain her independence. With uncommon wisdom and grace,
Myrtle fashioned a positive personal environment that supports
her adjusted lifestyle. Playing to her strengths and interests, she
stays physically active with daily exercises; has expanded her
circle of friends, male and female; plays bridge; participated in
Kirby Pines dances until very
recently; became a Kirby
Pine’s volunteer; and is a
member of the Germantown
Theater.
Myrtle celebrates her
100
th birthday in November
and looks forward to
receiving a congratulatory
letter from the President.
Life is good. Myrtle, you
are funny and fun to be
with, and the current
chapter of your life is
replete with sensible
advice, a definite role
model. Bravo!
-
Jacqueline Besteman,
Kirby Pines Resident
B E A U T I F U L I N S I D E & O U T
Myrtle
Williams
