Ruth Smith Williard

Ruth Smith Williard, 91 of Kernersville passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 26, 2025.

She was born March 20, 1934, in Forsyth County to the late Ernest and Erleen Smith.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in passing by her loving husband of 65 years, J Van Williard, her son, Gregory Smith Williard, two sisters and three brothers-in-law.

Ruth enjoyed music, gardening, traveling, especially to the mountains and beach, as well as canning, cooking and spending time with her family.  She was a lifetime member of Kernersville Moravian Church where she spent 25 years as a teacher for the preschool.  She was highly involved in her church as part of the Women’s Fellowship, a Choir Member, and leading the Children’s Choir.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Nancy Smith; sister-in-law, Donna Decker; children, Jeff Williard (Jennifer), Julia Stone (Tony), Charles Williard (Stephanie), and Ruth Beeson; grandchildren, Kristen Conway (Rusty), Olivia Williard, Austin Stone, Kathryn Williard, Charles Williard Jr, Emma Williard, Dow Adams, and Sadie Adams; great-grandchildren, Henry Conway, Owen Conway, and Grady Conway; and lots of nieces, nephews, and church family members.

Ruth’s family would like to thank her long-time caregivers, Marcela and Juanita.

Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 3rd at 11:00AM at Kernersville Moravian Church, 504 S. Main Street, Kernersville, NC.  Burial will follow in Kernersville Moravian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations have been requested directly to Bethany Café to feed the homeless via Kernersville Moravian Church.