Betty Ann Williams

Betty Ann (Clapp) Williams, 94, of Kathleen passed from this world into eternal rest on Monday January 12, 2015 from natural causes. She joins her Lord and Savior, her husband Charles, her brother Ralph Durham and her parents Bonnie and Henry O. Clapp in their Heavenly abode. Her son, Keith, daughter in-law Denise, one grandson, Ryan, daughter Dena, two nieces Carol Durham of Atlanta, Georgia, Nora Mandoki of Gulf Shores, AL, and Debbie Baldwin of West Virginia, all survive Betty. She came to Lakeland as a small child in the mid-1920""s, attended Lakeland High School and graduated from Florida Southern College. For many years she placed her love of teaching over her personal life and married Charles, the love of her life, in 1950. For over forty years she taught school in the Polk County School District and private schools in the Winston, Lakeland, Kathleen and Griffin areas, and retired in 1986. Nothing pleased Betty more than seeing her former students excelling in their lives and to see their descendants return as her students. Over the years she served as Faculty advisor to many of the graduating classes at Kathleen High School when it was actually in Kathleen, and resulted in her close relationship during many of their class reunions over the years even attended their 60th and 70th reunions. Her love of extending knowledge to students was passed to her daughter and son who have been involved in the education field long enough to each retire. Betty assisted with her teaching abilities in civilian world during World War II at Lodwick Field (now the site of Tigertown/Marchant Stadium) in Lakeland, teaching British flight students and working in various areas of the flight school. During each school year""s vacation breaks she enjoyed traveling to visit historical sights. She often boasted of actually visiting the State Capitals and the Capitol buildings of all 50 states, and a few provincial Capitals in Canada. She treasured the freedom to travel abroad but often stated her favorite experience was returning to her home and the ability to live independently late in life. Her civic affiliation extended beyond the classroom as she maintained active membership in numerous historical associations including Daughters of American Revolution, Colonial Dames, Genealogy Associations in Polk County and West Virginia. Her love for history led Betty and some descendants of pioneering families from the Kathleen area to establish the Kathleen Area Historical Society in 1991. Her leadership led to her serving as the Society""s founding President for many years. On Sunday January 25, 2015 a Memorial celebration is planned at the Kathleen Area Historical Society Heritage Park, 8950 North Campbell Road, Lakeland starting at 10:00 AM, family asks for friends, former students, and former co-workers to join in the recognition of her life and contributions to the community. Burial arrangements are being handled by Heath Funeral Chapel, Lakeland with a graveside service at the family plot in Oak Hill Burial Park, off Bartow Highway, Lakeland and will be officiated by Reverend Bill Fraker (retired), scheduled for 2:00 PM on January 16, 2015. Betty was adamant that no flowers are provided for any services but for those wishing to send a donation, give it to their favorite charitable organization or to the Kathleen Area Historical Society. Service: 01/16/2015 Oak Hill Burial Park 4620 US Highway 98 South, Lakeland, FL 33812 Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 01/15/2015 Heath Funeral Chapel