Anne Gowen Williams, 88, of Woodbine, GA passed away on June 21, 2026, surrounded by family at her home.

Anne was born on April 19, 1938 to Barney Alexander Gowen and Ethel Veale Gowen and attended Georgia Southern College where she met "Dan" at a softball game. His first words to her were, "hey shortstop, you missed the ball." Her first words to him were not as nice. They said "I do" in 1960 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage until Dan's death in 2023. Anne obtained her B.S. in Education, teaching in Screven and Camden Counties for over 30 years. As with most teachers, she taught generations of families and was often greeted with "Are you Mrs. Williams?" as recently as this year. She taught swimming lessons to most Woodbine children in the 1960's and 1970's at a local unfiltered cement block pool whose lips and fingers remain blue. Anne attended her 70 th high school class reunion in April of this year. She treasured old friends and classmates, old memories and making new ones. She loved telling childhood stories of aunts, uncles and cousins at Harriett's Bluff, her love of Crooked River, and competitive card games. Anne was very patriotic and loved her country. She thanked every serviceman/woman and veteran she encountered. She was a founding member of the Earl of Camden Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution.  Anne and Dan enjoyed motorhome trips all over the country, dancing, fishing, attending Georgia football games and anything grandchildren related with Leslie, Chris and Matt. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. She expected everyone to do the right thing, be respectful and honest, use your manners and eat at least one green vegetable (preferably two or three) every night.

Anne is preceded in death by her husband, Daniel A. Williams, parents Barney and Ethel Gowen, and brother Alex Gowen (Dale).

Survivors include her children Daniel "Aubrey" Williams Jr. (Carole), Michelle Williams (Mary), grandchildren Leslie Crawford (Jacob), Chris Williams (Courtney) and Matt Williams (Ally). Great grandchildren Finley, Luella, Sadie, Julien, Caroline and Daniel.

The family also recognizes Visiting Angels Angie, Dannette, Lola and Buffie for their loyalty, professionalism, kindness and friendship over the past few years.

Funeral services will be held at the Woodbine Methodist Church on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 1:00, interment will follow at Pineview Cemetery in Folkston, GA.

Being an educator and an avid reader, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Woodbine Public Library, 103 E 8 th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569.

Allison Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.