Eileen Williams

Eileen Rau Williams, 99, of Kingsport, passed away peacefully Monday, July 15, 2019, at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born June 8, 1920, in Dayton, Ohio to the late Robert Edward and Mary Mudge Rau.Eileen moved to Kingsport in 1927, when her father transferred with Mead Paper Company. In 1935, at the age of fifteen she was crowned Miss Kingsport and Miss Tennessee.In 1937, she eloped with her high school sweetheart who remained her sweetheart for life and they raised their family in post-war Kingsport.Eileen was a loving and caring lady who was the ‘sweetest Mom and Nana ever.”Her creative talents included sewing, crafting, scrapbooking and she was well known for her “melt in your mouth fudge.” Eileen was an avid doll collector and enjoyed conducting estate sales and shopping for antiquesShe was an active member of Waverly Road Presbyterian Church where she taught the second grade Sunday school class and worked in the Food Pantry. She was also a member of the Survivors Club, Federation of Doll Clubs, and the Questers Club. Eileen served on the Kingsport City Mission Board of DirectorsIn addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph H. Williams and her son, Ralph S. Williams.Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Lorraine Parish (Ray); daughter-in-law, Sue Williams; grandchildren, Jeff Miles (Maribeth), Paige Silva, Tom Williams, Mark Williams and Charlsey Mahle (Colin); eight great-grandchildren; one great great-grandson; brother, Dr. James Rau (Martha); special friends, Susanah Morin and Phyllis McConnell-Nitschke.The family will receive friends Friday, July 19, 2019, from 1:00-2:00 pm in the chapel of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2:00 pm with Dr. Phil Hoskins officiating.A Graveside Service will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.The family extends their sincere gratitude to Dr. Ginn, Dr. Treece, staff of E.T.S.U. Physicians, medical staff on the fifth floor at Holston Valley Medical Center and the wonderful people of Smoky Mountain Hospice. A special thank you to Eileen’s caregivers, Kathy Williams, Loretta Smith and Mary Castle.Oak Hill Funeral Home is honored to serve the Williams family.Read Obituary