Florence Newman Williams Abele, 94, formerly of Hyde County and most recently of River Trace Health and Rehabilitation Center of Washington, died on Friday, September 11, 2026, with her children by her side.

Mrs. Florence was born in Sladesville, NC, on May 7, 1932, to the late Richard Dudley and Muriel Wahab Newman, who preceded her in death. As the oldest of eight children and mother of four, she easily grew into the role of family matriarch.

Mrs. Florence met her husband, E. Scott Williams, upon his return from active duty in WWII. They later married and lived in Hyde County and St. Simon's Island, GA, for their entire married life until he preceded her in death in 1988. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Rev. George Abele.

Again, Mrs. Florence was known to her family as the family matriarch. She loved to travel both abroad and in the U.S. She enjoyed family, church, and community gatherings in her home.  She also loved reading, antiquing, and treasure hunting in thrift stores. She passed on her love for reading and antiquing to her daughter and many of her granddaughters. She was a giver and wanted the best for others. Mrs. Florence was a faithful member of St. John's Episcopal Church for her lifetime. Her family could always count on her to do the right thing. Her star shone most brightly as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and as daughter, sister, and aunt. There was no better role model.

Mrs. Florence and Scott were the parents of four children: Lena Williams Carawan (Roy), Dudley Scott, fondly known as Buster (Glenda), Joseph Howard (Belinda), and Lee Bland (Madge). She was much beloved by her children and nine grandchildren: Neda Florence Spenellie (Jim), R. Scott Carawan (Leigh Ann), William Kirklin Carawan, Tina Williams Rich (Ryan), Crissy Williams Boyles (Kevin), Kandi Williams Gibbs, Diana Williams Belmarez, Nathanael Williams, and Caroline Williams. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, whom she cherished.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Richard Dudley Newman, II, Muriel Louise Newman, Gilbert Howard Newman, Nell Sears, Harvey Wahab Newman, Thomas Edward Newman I, and Mitchell Paul Newman. She was also preceded in death by granddaughter Lynn L. Williams, great-grandson Isaac Lee Carawan, and great-great-granddaughter Kamiryn Eve Boyles.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at St. John's Episcopal Church

in Sladesville. The burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will gather with friends immediately following the service for a reception, which will be held at the Sladesville Volunteer Fire Department.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. George's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 101, Engelhard, NC 27824. (Please write in the memo line for St. John's Episcopal Church)

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.