Betsy was born January 25, 1960 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Herbert and Gean (Vann) Green. She died on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center following a valiant battle with cancer.
Betsy received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology in 1982 from Valparaiso University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a Christ College Scholar. She received a Master of Divinity degree in 1996 from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus. In addition, she has participated in a number of continuing education classes, including classes on strategic planning, the spiritual life of congregations, preaching, family systems, worship, and the pastor as writer.
Prior to her ordination, Betsy served 12 years in ministry as a deaconess in calls to Cana Lutheran Church, Berkeley, Michigan, and Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Columbus. As a pastor she held calls at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Lexington, Christ the King Lutheran Church in West Chester, and St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Newark, from which she retired.
Betsy is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, James K. “Jim” Williams, whom she married September 16, 1989; a son, David Evan Williams of West Chester; a daughter, Carys Elaine Williams of Granville; a brother, Herbert L. Green and his wife, Wiktoria Pisarek-Green, of Aurora, Colorado; father-in-law, John Hugh Williams of Southern California; dear friends, Elaine Ramshaw, Ph.D. of Branford, Connecticut, Jenny Smith of Cincinnati, and Rev. Miriam Schreck of Newark; as well as many other friends and family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Newark) with Rev. Martin P. Gehring officiating.
Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, December 15, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home (Newark).