Ilona S. Williams

REVISED
Dandy, VA – On Thursday, Nov. 10, 2023, Ilona S. Williams passed away at the age of 70 after her courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her children as she entered into eternal rest. Ilona spent over 35 years in Poquoson where she and her late husband, Dale raised their family. Most recently she was a resident of Dandy where she was surrounded by family and the river.
Ilona loved living on the water and enjoying the company of her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Her favorite times included heading out on the boat to fish and softcrab and being a Grandma to her five grandchildren. She most recently worked for Rite Aid in Grafton where she greeted everyone with a warm smile and friendly demeanor. In her early years, Ilona was the head majorette at Bethel High School and spent many years teaching tap, ballet, and baton at a local dance studio. She also was the bookkeeper for her husband’s construction company for many years.
Ilona was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Dale Williams, her mother Elsie Shaver, and sisters Helga Ripperger and Edith Vogt. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Thomas (Todd), her son Troy Williams, and grandchildren Austin, Shelby, Jared, Tinley, and Tate, all of Poquoson. She is also remembered fondly by her brother-in-laws Wayne Williams (Robin) and Horst Ripperger, sister-in-laws Wanda Holland, Vickie Sexton (Paul), and Janet Williams, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who held a special place in her heart.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 15th, at 6:00 pm at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church, 6218 George Washington Memorial Highway, Grafton, Va. A private scattering of her ashes will take place at a later time. Friends and family are welcome to visit her daughter’s home at 6 Hollingsworth Way, Poquoson, at any time and especially after the memorial service on Wednesday.
A special thanks to the doctors and nurses that provided her with wonderful care.