One of Willowdale’s faithful women passed away recently. Her name was Becky Williams. She had been a member of Willowdale Chapel for about 60 years, and she was my friend for 17 of those years. In case you missed knowing her, let me share a little about her life and her impact on me. (Becky is pictured above—first row with brown hair.)
I remember getting to know her in a women’s Bible study. There was an ice breaker one time where we were asked to tell something unusual about our birth. Becky had the best story. She was a surprise baby. Five years after her mother resolved the issue of further children by having a sterilization, along came Becky. I preferred to think of her as a miracle baby.
Becky understood that life was a gift and should be lived with purpose. I knew her as someone who eagerly served here at Willowdale and at Jennersville Hospital where she volunteered for years. As she grew older she soldiered on in whatever ways she could, whether that meant service or just showing up.
Becky loved community and serving. She thrived by teaching the Women’s Sunday class and being part of the prep team for our children’s ministry. She loved reading, traveling, attending small groups and time with the Senior Saints. Her last big event was with that group last year at the Dutchway restaurant.
Over time Becky became a most devoted friend, always keeping our family in prayer. If she was praying about some need or concern we had, she was sure to follow up with a call to see how things had turned out. We even found that it was easy to pray together over the phone. Just a week before her death, she called me to check up on how one of our girls was doing. Faithful to the end.
Some of Becky’s gifts to me were annual subscriptions to Taste of Home magazine and a devotion book, titled God Sees Her. I love how Becky’s generesority has helped me feed my family and feed my soul. The passage in Genesis 16 from which the book was named recounts the troubles of Hagar, Sarah’s servant. Hagar was alone and pregnant in the wilderness, having been mistreated by Sarah. The Lord revealed Himself through an angel who gave comfort and guidance. Hagar realized that the Lord cared about her because He clearly heard her and saw her. It seems Becky understood that God saw her. Becky wasn’t about gaining attention for herself. She simply showed up, served where she could, connected as much as possible and trusted God to sustain her.
Often she needed my help with a ride or alterations to her clothing. Once she asked me to help her shave the whiskers she had missed on her chin. Her reason was that she had a doctor’s appointment and wanted to look her best…even though she’d likely be wearing a mask the entire time. She had the cutest little electric razor, and I was privileged to serve her that way. It was an intimacy I hadn’t expected, but one that increased my understanding of true friendship.
As she struggled with greater health issues, spending many weeks in care facilities, I asked her what I could pray for on her behalf. She asked for prayer to trust God more, to be able to share her faith, to be a better example and to accept the limitations of her diminished health. It seemed these very requests were graced with wisdom.
Becky’s life reveals what a life of purpose looks like. Her actions testify to the importance of being in community. Because of her, I recognize prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can share. I have learned from her that one can make a difference even at age 90. And her example is a reminder to get to know an older or younger woman. She just might change your life.
ABOUT OUR NEW BLOGGER
Linnea Tideman has always enjoyed sharing stories. Her childhood in New Hampshire and her Swedish heritage have provided her with a wealth of experiences, but also the foundation of her faith. She enjoys creative projects, travel, books, sewing, gardening, but most of all hospitality, often hosting fancy teas and occasionally something grand like recreating dinner on the Titanic. She serves the UrbanPromise and Good Neighbors ministries.
Linnea lives in Landenberg with her husband Dave. They have three grown daughters. She hopes that her writing reflects how God continues to reveal Himself to us as our shepherd and Savior.