Surber, Helen Elizabeth Williams, age 90, passed away to her heavenly home on April 1, 2012 at Methodist Medical Center. Born on October 29, 1921, she was the last surviving sibling of nine children born to Charlie and Lizzie Williams. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Surber, Sr. in 1988 and her only child, Willard (Wilbur) Surber, Jr. in 2010; brothers and sisters, Paul Williams, Basil Williams, Jess Williams, Homer Williams, Carl Williams, Della Williams, Lillard (Till) Williams, and Cleta Reed.
Mrs. Surber is survived by daughter in-law, Nancy Surber of Kodak, two granddaughters and their spouses, Denise Surber Razzak & Ammar Razzak of Sevierville, Renee Surber Peebles & Matt Peebles of Lexington, TN. She is also survived by four great grandchildren, who were her "angels", Kaleb and Jordan Razzak and Maddie and Ansley Peebles; extended family of cousins, nephews, grandnephews, nieces and grandnieces in Tennessee, Florida and Virginia.
Although Mrs. Surber worked primarily in her home, she was employed outside the house on occasion. One of these places of employment was Magnet Mills in Clinton. Mrs. Surber was talented in sewing, crocheting, and quilting. She made several quilts that she hand stitched. She enjoyed antiquing at flea markets and yard sales. She was also a magnificent cook, making most meals from scratch. She had a silly and quirky personality that could make everyone around her laugh. She loved the Lord, and when her health made it difficult to attend church, she watched gospel programs on television and continued reading her Bible. She was a member of Deep Springs Baptist Church. Mrs. Surber loved her family with all her heart. She never failed to hug or say "I love you". Her family was the light of her life.
The family would like to thank the kindness of the employees at Briarcliff Nursing Home, and the nurses at Methodist Medical Center. A very special thanks goes to Dr. Diaz and Dr. Rahmon for being so willing to take the time to call Denise and keep her informed of Mrs. Surber's health. The time they took to call was extremely kind.
A very, very special thank you goes to Myrtle Moretz, Mrs. Surber's full-time caregiver. Ms. Moretz spent the last two years with Helen, being continually dedicated and loving to her. The family could not have taken care of Mrs. Surber in the way that Ms. Moretz did. The family has the utmost thankfulness and gratitude for this very special lady. The family will receive friends at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton on Wednesday, April 4th from 6-8PM. Funeral service will follow with Rev. Robert Ivey officiating.
Graveside service will be Thursday, April 5th at 11:30AM at Sartin Cemetery in Clinton. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is charge of arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com