Margery Williams Obituary

“Any time God calls me, I’m ready because I’ve lived a good life and I have faith in the Lord.”

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Margery answered God’s call to transition from labor to reward. 

Margery was born May 4, 1931 in Staunton to the late Emmett Paul and Rachel (Jones) Moats. 

Margery made it her life’s work to educate others beginning with her own children. She devoted many years to continuing to instill that love of learning as she embarked on a career as a teacher at the former Effie Ann Johnson Day Care Center.

Margery was a lifelong member of Greater Allen, formerly known as Allen Chapel AME Church. Her steadfast faith and love of Jesus Christ led her to serve in many ministries including Trustee Board, Steward Board, Women' s Missionary Society, Pastor’s Aid, Sunday School teacher and her greatest joy, singing in the church choir. She was a member of The Christian Women Fellowship Ministries, and the Housekeepers Sunshine Club. Her desire to be of service and spread the good news of Jesus Christ also included visits to the senior living community and Hilltop Apartments, where she read scripture and sang songs with residents. Her love of music spanned not only gospel music but included R& B artists like Al Green, Aretha Franklin and The Temptations. Her family fondly remembers a home filled with her melodic voice as she went about singing her way through daily chores and routines. This continued throughout her later years as she could often be heard singing in the dining room at Staunton Post Acute Rehab Center, where she resided for the past five years. 

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 61 years, Chalmer Glendye Williams, Sr.; her youngest daughter, Angela Darcus; siblings, Annabelle Moats, Rachel Beatrice Moats, Pauline Moats Bundy and Paul Organ. Margery was the last of her immediate family. 

She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy of love, her children, Chalmer Williams, Jr. and Elizabeth Williams both of Staunton; grandchildren, Shawn Williams (Ivy), Chante’l Bryant (Dennis), Catrice Williams and Brittany Alphin (Cody); great grandchildren, Sophia Williams, Imara Williams, Rebekah Williams, Kayden Darcus, Channing Bryant, along with two adopted great grandsons, Lamar and LaRon Fleming and their families; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including a special niece and a caretaker, Cecil Robinson. 

As she often reminded her offspring, “God loves you just the way you are and so do I.” 

While we grieve the passing of our Mama, Grandma, and Gigi, we recall her unwavering faith in knowing our physical separation is only temporary. We will be together again in Glory! Therein lies our comfort and our joy. 

A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Greater Allen AME Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery.

Family and friends may share condolences and memories with the family by visiting the guestbook at www.mccutcheonandjonesfh.com. Professional services provided by McCutcheon & Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services (540) 943-6938/(540)886-2601.