Eloise Styles Williams, 85, of Burnsville, died at her home surrounded by family on November 27, 2021.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Williams, her brother, Billy Styles, and her daughter, Cynthia Moore.
Eloise will be remembered by many and is survived by her children: Janice McKinney (Norb), Doug Young (Brenda), Darrel Young (Laura), Brenda McFee (David), Sharon Edge (Stephen), Glenn Williams (Debbie), and sisters: Peggy Jones (JB), Susan Parrish, and sister-in-law: Gladys Styles. She is also survived by her seventeen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Born December 14, 1935 to the late Hannah Dale and Jay Styles, Eloise was a lifelong resident of Yancey County. While she doted on her children, she was also a firm disciplinarian. She was a model of unconditional love and took great pride in her role as a stay-at-home mother. After her children were grown and before the arrival of her grandchildren, she graduated from Mayland Community College with a degree in cosmetology. This led to an unpaid career serving as a hairdresser to friends and family, where she often cut hair in her living room with a bedsheet spread over the floor. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family gatherings and having a house full of people. No holiday passed without a family gathering, and that is one of the reasons her extended family remains close-knit today.
Eloise was recognized as an outstanding Girl Scout troop leader, receiving many awards for her leadership. Her troops won multiple regional awards for exceptional community service, including raising the money to install the memorial water fountain still located on the town square. Eloise was a faithful member of Windom United Methodist Church. She adored her church family and served as church treasurer for twenty-nine years. She was a cherished member of the church choir, always harmonizing with her beautiful alto voice.
Once her grandchildren came along, Eloise’s house became known as “Nanny’s Daycare” (or “Mamaw’s Daycare” depending on which grandchild you asked). While their parents worked, Eloise kept nearly all of her grandchildren until they reached school-age. Over the years, her grandchildren spent just as much time, if not more time, at her house than at their own. Playing at Nanny’s house has become a generational treasure; now her grandchildren have children of their own and you can still find little ones running and laughing with their cousins, just like all the years before.
Eloise was a twenty-two year breast cancer survivor. Everyone who met her appreciated her kind and gentle ways, but anyone who knew her understood the strength, independence, and determination behind her green eyes. She had a quick wit and was one of the few people who could deliver a comeback to her husband, Albert’s, antics.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 2nd at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Dr. Gwen Harris will officiate. Private burial will follow in the Pete Young Cemetery. The family respectfully asks that everyone wear a mask.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Eloise to Compassionate Care WNC at 836 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
