Jerry Knight Williams, 90

Click link to view Jerry’s Memorial Video

Jerry Knight Williams, 90, of Green Cove Springs, passed away peacefully February 14, 2023 in her home surrounded by her family and friends.

She was born on February 19, 1932 to William and Pearl Knight. She was a lifelong resident of Green Cove Springs.

She was a graduate of Clay High School, lettering in basketball and cheerleading, and a graduate of Jones Business College. While in high school, Jerry served as one of the first usherettes at the historic Clay Theater. She had a successful and varied career as a hairstylist, realtor, and worked many years for the Clay County School Board and the Clay County Property Appraiser.

Jerry was a life-long leader and visionary in her community. She was elected to the Green Cove Springs City Council six times, totaling 18 years of public service to the citizens of Green Cove Springs. Some of her many accomplishments included serving as the first female Mayor of Green Cove Springs. She also championed the effort to build a new City Hall and was selected as the 2004 Florida Council Woman of the Year by the Florida League of Cities.

Jerry’s life has been one of joy and hard work. In her own words, “Green Cove Springs is as close to me as my family, I am there to protect and care for them.”

One of her proudest accomplishments in protecting and caring for the city was leading the effort to preserve the Green Cove Spring Park from being purchased for residential and commercial development.

Jerry was an avid world traveler. She enjoyed many trips abroad as well as taking cruises and road trips throughout the U.S. with her family. Her additional hobbies included gardening, clogging, taking walks through Spring Park and the community that she so loved.

Jerry was a devout Christian and a devoted, life-long member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church.

She is survived by her son Larry, Sr., her daughter-in-law Susan, grandchildren Larry, Jr. (Stuart) and Caroline, and her many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Jerry was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 50 years J.W. Williams, her siblings Kathleen Smith, Thelma Morea, Anita Bradley, William Knight, Robert Knight, her nephew Ken Bradley and niece Teri Donald.

Celebration of life will take place Friday, February 17, in the Chapel of Russell Haven of Rest. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720