Allene Groda Williams, 80, passed away on May 30, 2026. She was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1945 and settled in Emporia, Virginia in 1963 where she embarked on a special life well lived. She worked in multiple roles through the years as a highly skilled and organized bookkeeper and administrator. She served the community in many ways, especially as Treasurer and Session Member of First Presbyterian Church for decades. She loved to cook and entertain and will be forever known for her rolls and the Aunt Lucy Chocolate Cake. Most importantly, she was a loving, giving, and tireless mother, aunt, and second mom to many of her children’s friends. She is survived by sons Michael Hodge Williams, II, (Andrea), of Skippers, Mark Holt Williams (Lauren) of Fulshear, TX, and daughter Carolyn Williams Lilly (Michael) of Prince George, VA, devoted granddaughter Elizabeth Allene Williams (TJ) of Suffolk, Va, and grandchildren Thomas, Micalah, Katherine, Russell, Zachary, and Madelyn, as well as 7 beloved great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law Tim (Lois) and Jackie Williams, sister Victoria Groda McKenley (Dana) of La Porte, TX , cousin Gary Otten, many cherished nieces and nephews, best friend Anne Woodruff, her special friends in the Breakfast Club and friends she met throughout her long life. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 60 years, Mickey, her parents Carolyn Otten Groda, Allen Parker Groda and her brother Duane Otten Groda.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Emporia Cemetery on Brunswick Avenue in Emporia at 11:00 AM followed by a visitation and reception at the First Presbyterian Church’ s Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Nora Smith, Treasurer, 210 South Main Street, Emporia, VA 23847 in memory of Allene.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to Crater Community Hospice and caregiver Juanita Jefferson for their compassion and service to their mother and the family during this difficult time.
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Previous Events
Graveside
6
Jun
Brunswick Avenue
Emporia, VA 23847
