Bernadette Williams

Bernadette Williams "Nanny"

Bernadette Marie Williams, 91, formerly Bernadette Marie Schoonmaker of Baton Rouge, LA, daughter of loving parents George A. Schoonmaker and Bernadette Marie Klotz Schoonmaker of New Orleans, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 16, 2015, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Baton Rouge, LA.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Kirk E. Williams Jr. of Baton Rouge. She was a graduate of Baton Rouge High School where she met, fell in love with and later married her beloved Kirk. She was a long time member of St James Episcopal Church and later in her life, St. Alban's Episcopal Church on LSU's campus. She was the Best!! Not because she loved her church, but because she loved her God and "lived" the following verse from His Holy Scripture: 'look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.' 2 Cor. 4:18.

She is survived today by two loving sons, Kirk E. Williams III of Baton Rouge, LA and George Donnard "Don" Williams of Natchez, MS, and a very large, extended family, (too numerous to mention), but whom she deeply and faithfully loved, including 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, (with more to follow), and all manor of "grand pets". She is also survived by two brothers, Calvin L. Schoonmaker of Greenwell Springs, LA and Carl J. Schoonmaker of Denham Springs, LA.

She is preceded in death by two additional brothers, George B. Schoonmaker and Samuel Francis "Frank" Schoonmaker.

There will be a private family burial. There will also be a visitation on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, from 12:45 PM to 2:00 PM at The First Presbyterian Church located at 763 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802 in The Dunham Chapel. There will then be a Memorial Celebration of her life that begins at 2:00 PM, followed by light refreshments and food for all in the Church Sanctuary Reception Room.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caring staff (her 2nd family) at Sunrise Assisted Living on Jefferson Hwy for the love and patience they've shown our Nan and all of us, for almost 24 months, (We love you!) and St Joseph's Hospice who "swooped in" last week and made our Nanny's final journey, a gentle one..

Family and friends may sign the online memorial or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA, is in charge of funeral arrangements.