White River Jct., VT – Jean R. Williams, 82, died Thursday January 23, 2020 at Hanover Terrace Health Care in Hanover, NH.

She was born May 18, 1937 in Salem, MA, the daughter of Walter C. and Marjorie E. (Reid) Merrill.  Jean spent her early years in Danvers, MA before earning her bachelor's degree in art history from Wellesley College in 1959. While attending the Simmons School of Social work, Jean met Raymond W. Williams in Boston while he was earning his master's degree in Theology; they were married 1961 in New Gloucester, ME.  Through her work as a pastor's wife she lived and raised her family in several places including New Gloucester, ME, Greenfield, MA and Baldwinsville, MA.  In 1970 they moved to Portland ME, where Ray was pastor of Stevens Avenue Congregational Church for 25 years.  During that time Jean worked as a school librarian at Hall Elementary school in Portland.  In 2010, Ray and Jean moved to Wilder, VT to be nearer their son and grandchildren, where they lived the rest of their lives.

Jean adored spending time at their summer home on Bailey Island, ME where for over 30 years she and Ray watched their children and grandchildren grow up. Jean loved taking walks on the beach and collecting seashells and sea glass. She also enjoyed reading, pampering their cats and dogs, going to flea markets and gift shops, traveling in their camper trailer to Myrtle Beach in the winters, and then traveling across the United States visiting friends and family. Jean was a devoted wife and mother, and a great friend to all who were fortunate to know her!

Jean has been a resident at Hanover Terrace since 2012.  Rev. Williams died in 2016.

Jean is survived by her sons Ian Williams of White River Jct. and Leif Williams of Martinez, CA and four grandchildren: Reid, Alexis, Jill and Leicia.

A spring committal service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland, ME.

Condolences to Jean's family may be made in an online guestbook at knightfuneralhomes.com .

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Bayada Foundation, PO Box 1590, Norwich, VT 05055.