Dr. Leah Mildred Williams is remembered

By BETH HENRY

POSTED: April 29, 2008

CHARLES TOWN — A longtime, beloved physician who cared for thousands of patients in Jefferson County passed away Sunday.

Dr. Leah Mildred Williams, 91, started her family practice in Charles Town in 1949, and she always cared for anyone who needed to see her, according to her friends. In addition to making house calls and keeping her home office open practically around the clock, Williams served as the county’s medical examiner for many years and she was a former chief of staff at Jefferson Memorial Hospital.

Although she retired in 1986, Williams remained active in the community for many years.

Dr. Robert Webb, who worked with Williams and then became her physician, said she leaves behind many people who loved her.

“She had a great, full life,” Webb said, adding that he met her when he came to Jefferson County in 1981. He said she was not only his mentor, but Williams served as a mentor to many doctors in the area.

“I would say she’s about as wonderful of a physician and person as you could find anywhere,” Webb said. “I can’t say enough good about her.”

Beloved by thousands, Williams delivered a huge amount of county residents when they were born, and she thoroughly enjoyed taking care of her patients, he added.

“She took care of anybody, any time,” Webb said, praising her caring and dedication.

“It’s a great loss,” he said of her passing. “She’s going to be sadly missed by everyone.”

Delegate Locke Wysong, D-Jefferson, said Williams was his family’s neighbor for more than 33 years.

“She was a great lady and we’re going to miss her tremendously,” Wysong said. “She wasn’t just a neighbor, she was part of our family.”

Wysong said that in addition to her love of the medical profession and her many patients, Williams also had a great love of learning.

“She was always interested in learning something new,” he said. “She loved nature; she loved animals and horseback riding; she was a huge Marshall Thundering Herd fan; and she loved books.”

Wysong said Williams was a strong pillar in the area, and she was active all the way until well into her 90th year. Williams suffered a struck this January, and fought back courageously with rehab at Jefferson Memorial. She was able to return home to celebrate her 91st birthday, which was April 8, but she unfortunately suffered another stroke a few days later and was unable to recover.

Charles Town Mayor Peggy Smith said Williams was extremely well-known and had a positive impact on the community.

“The city of Charles Town has had a tremendous loss,” Smith said Monday evening. “She was just a wonderful person. Everyone loved her.”

Williams was active with a variety of community groups, including the Independent Fire Co., where she served many years as the fire company’s physician.

She was also a member of the Jefferson County Historical Society and the American Red Cross, and she was an avid bridge player.

Williams was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town, and she graduated from Hinton High School, Marshall College (now University) and the Medical College of Virginia.

Visitation is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. today at Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home in Ranson. Further information is available in her obituary notice.



— Staff writer Beth Henry can be reached at (304) 725-6581 or bhenry@journal-news.net