BERLIN — Irene H. Williams of Berlin, died July 29, at the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a long illness at the age of 82.

She was the daughter of the late Charles H. Hickman and Eva Floyd Hickman of Whaleyville. Her husband, W. G. (Billy) Williams, Jr., preceded her in death in 1987. 

She is survived by two sons: William (Gee) Williams III and his wife Betsy of Berlin, and David C. Williams of Whaleyville; one granddaughter, Dawn W. Barrett and her husband Stephen G. Barrett; and two great-grandchildren, Lauren and Wil Barrett, all of Berlin, a sister-in-law, Marie W. Hanson of Falston, MD, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by six siblings: Russell O. Hickman, Helen H. Hearne, Charlotte Hickman, Mildred H. Givans, Virgil W. Hickman, and Hilda H. Torbert. 

She graduated from Buckingham High School in 1945 and was employed as a bookkeeper for Berlin Motors (now Barrett Chevy-Chrysler) until 1948.  

She and her husband Billy owned and operated Williams Tavern in Berlin from 1959-1986.  The tavern, established in 1934 by W.G. Williams, Sr., was the first business after prohibition to be issued an alcoholic beverage license in Worcester County and was operated by the Williams family for 52 years.

She was a member of the Berlin Junior Board in the 1950s and 60s. During this time she also served as an election judge for the Worcester County Board of Elections. In 1978 she was the first woman elected to the Democratic Central Committee in Worcester County, serving from 1978-86 and was a charter member of the Worcester County Democratic Club. 

She was a much loved den mother to Berlin Cub Scout pack 161 in the 1960s, and was a long time member and past president of the Berlin-Ocean City Soroptimist  Club.  She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed gardening.

A funeral service was held at Stevenson United Methodist Church in Berlin on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery in Berlin. Donations may be made in her memory to the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, MD 21811, or the Berlin Ambulance Fund 214 N. Main St. Berlin, MD 2181.