OBITUARY

PATSY “MARIE” WILLIAMS HERMAN

August 20,1951 – December 20,2021

Patsy “Marie” Williams Herman, wife of William “Richard” Herman Jr., having been baptized in Christ, entered the perfect peace and tranquility of heaven on December 20,2021 surrounded by her beloved husband and loving family, at her home in Chesapeake, VA.

Marie was born in Old Lake Side, Suffolk, VA on August 20, 1951, the eldest child and first daughter of Girlie Mae Thacker and Clifton Wallace Williams, Sr. Marie grew up in Gloucester County, VA and was a graduate of Gloucester High School and Chowan College, Murfreesboro, NC. She married her former husband, the late Thomas “Allen” Sterling and entered into the Sterling family of Naxera, VA, where they built their family home “Sterling’s Choice.” There they raised their two precious daughters, Donna Marie, and Kimberly Holt. On June 29,1996, Marie married her husband, Richard and moved to Chesapeake, VA and cherished their 25 years of marriage. Marie continued her career as a Real Estate Appraiser and retired after 30 years.

Marie was a true American patriot who celebrated each day of life and had unrivaled passion for our beautiful country. In 2018 she lived her childhood dream, and with her husband Richard, drove the entire length of the historic Route 66. A true artisan, her household decorations for celebrating and honoring national and religious holidays were both moving and inspirational for all to experience. She loved fishing, boating and family vacations to the Outer Banks of NC. As a talented and gifted master gardener, she created beautiful flower beds and arrangements that highlighted natures seasonal color spectacles. A true southern culinary master, she was well known for putting up her award-winning pickles and other classic southern cuisines. In everything Marie did, peace, family and love were the centerpiece.

Marie was dedicated to making a difference in her community through her volunteer work. She served as co-chair of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the first class of volunteers at the Walter Reed Memorial Hospital, present day Riverside Hospital, Gloucester, VA. She was especially proud of her work with the Gloucester County historical society which included researching the history and stabilization of Rosewell. This experience led her to be employed as a historical interpreter in Colonial Williamsburg. There Marie shared her knowledge with tourists from across the world, including the sights of Colonial Williamsburg, architectural tours, and her beloved gardening tours. Marie was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Fort Nelson Chapter.

While living in Chesapeake, VA, Marie remained faithful to her community service interests. She volunteered with the Altar Society and the historical committee of The Glebe Church, Suffolk, VA. She was instrumental in contributing to local needs such as HER Shelter and the ROC SOLID Foundation, through her involvement in two chapters of the Good Deeds Girls Night Out (GDGNO) organization. Most recently, Marie graciously devoted her time with the HERA Ovarian Cancer Foundation and the VA Oncology Associates (VOA), Cancer Care communities.

In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Mariah Louise Simmons Williams and Butts Birdsong (BB) Williams Sr., maternal grandparents, Indie Rebecca Thacker and Cary Holt Thacker, a dear Aunt Dorothy Holt Carr, Uncle BB Williams, Jr. and Marie’s former husband, Thomas “Allen” Sterling.

Left to celebrate her life and continue Marie’s beautiful legacy, is her adored husband Richard, beloved daughters Donna Sterling Young and her husband Kevin, and Kimberly Sterling Green and her husband Kenny, and her four grandchildren, so very cherished and Marie’s greatest source of joy, Christopher Taylor Williams, Kendall Elizabeth Green, Kacey Brooks Green and Karter Allen Green.

Marie also leaves behind her dear siblings, Clifton Wallace Williams, Jr. and his wife Debbie, Indie Mariah Winter and her husband John and Carol Ann Townsend and her husband Russell. In addition, her treasured nieces and nephews, Chad Clifton Williams and his wife Shannon, Alison Gray Foster and her husband Chuckie, Lauren Patricia Winter, John Taylor Winter, and Christopher Brennan Winter, as well as her great nieces and nephews.

The family will be holding a private “Celebration of Life” service at The Glebe Church, Suffolk, VA on Monday, December 27,2021 at 11 am.

To view the service online go to: www.Glebechurch.org and click on the you tube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbBHHxQMx4rdmlXmDHY_y9Q

It was Marie’s wish that we extend loving kindness to all we meet along the way. Please consider a donation to any of the above charities or a charity of your choice, in Marie’s name.

The family also wants to extend its special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Robert Squatrito and his wonderful clinical staff, MEDI Hospice Group and the VA Oncology Associates (VOA) for their exceptional care. Also, our deepest gratitude to our many neighbors, friends, and co-workers whose incredible kindness and compassion is second to none.