Barbara Wertz Williams

Barbara Wertz Williams, 85, of Salem, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Barbara Wertz fell in love with J. Alwood Williams when they met while attending Andrew Lewis High School; they were happily married for 61 years when he passed. Barbara and Al had two children whom they loved profusely: Mary Dee Williams, of Fla. And James A. Williams, of Ca. Their family celebrated Thanksgiving together each year and were ever so thankful!

Barbara was the eldest child of Warren and Gertrude Wertz. In addition to her children, she leaves behind her siblings, Ferman Wertz and his wife, Peggy and Wayne Wertz and his wife, Pat; Deborah Huffman and husband, Michael, Robin Wertz and wife, Nancy, and Carma Leigh (Cammie) Otey and husband, Eddy; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Barbara joins Al in heaven and looks forward to the rest of the family joining them in the future. In the meantime, says Barbara, “[I’m] sending love to my church pastors and friends of Bethel Baptist Church,” Salem.

The family will welcome friends for a memorial visitation on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home and Crematory, Salem. A memorial service will begin at 7:00 p.m., in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Hilton Jeffries officiating.

Barbara – “Loved my travels especially with Al as we traveled to Israel with a wonderful group of people [and] walked where Jesus walked. No more taxes to pay, no more utility bills, car and homeowners insurance payments, gas bills, lawn mowing bills, etc.”

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.