MRS. JANET WILLIAMS (NETTY)

CRESSELLY

The death occurred peacefully at home on Friday, April 28, of Mrs. Janet Williams, aged 91 years, affectionately known as Netty, of Vicarage Farm, Cresselly, formerly of Rosedene, Lawrenny Road, Cresselly.

Janet Ross (known all her life as Netty) was born on January 11, 1926, in the Middle Cottage of Carew Cheriton. She was the second eldest, being born 20 minutes after her twin sister Betty. On this unique day, the Rev. Spurrell, Vicar of Carew Church, said: “I must go up to see the Palmer household to see the new twins born in our village.” On his way from the vicarage to the cottage, he saw and picked from the hedgerow the first snowdrops and brought them to Mary, her mother, saying: “Congratulations, it is wonderful to see new life in the village. I have brought you the first new life of the year from the hedgerow.”

As her early years went by, Netty enjoyed her childhood with her sisters Betty and Margaret and brothers Maurice and George, as well as her cousins in Milton.

She started her education in Carew Cheriton School and these were happy carefree days with her many friends and relatives.

However, when Netty was eight-years-old her brother Maurice tragically died aged six. Netty then helped to care for her younger sister Margaret who was four-years-old and George, who was a crying baby, to help her mother and Betty.

In 1939, the family moved to Llanelli due to her father’s change of workplace. Netty, then aged 12, continued her education at Stradey Technical School and did well. Upon leaving school, Netty worked in an ironmongers store in Murray Street, Llanelli, where she continued to work for several years, but soon knew this was not the direction she wanted to take in life.

The family remember seeing Netty proudly wearing the uniform of the St. Johns Ambulance. This was a sign of things to come and she started her nurse training after successfully passing her entrance exam.

On a ward early in her training at Llanelli General Hospital, a seriously burnt man was admitted from one of the steel works. The ward sister said to Netty: “This is nursing in action.” Netty never looked back and rolled her sleeves up when faced with any challenges in life.

The family became fully involved with Hall Street Methodist Church which was a vibrant and very active place of worship with many activities for young people. Netty enjoyed taking part in plays, drama and discussion groups in the church. On other occasions, Netty took part in the Torch Bearers which was a youth group in the Llanelli Salvation Army. This was an important part of her family life and helped develop Netty’s faith.

At the age of 19 years after discovering a lump in her breast, Netty underwent pioneering surgery at Swansea General Hospital. At the time, the surgeon remarked to a family member that she would not leave the hospital alive. But she did and enjoyed a full and happy life.

Netty married her childhood sweetheart Geoffrey Hicks on April 20, 1949, in Carew Methodist Church. The reception was held in the Sunday School with the families cooking the ham and providing everything needed since rationing was still in place. Her father-in-law Jack Hicks announced to all present: “If this feast our bellies fill, it will be a miracle,” as many ration coupons had been given by friends and family towards food and to make the wedding cake.

Netty and Geoffrey set-up home at 3 Kesteven Court, Carew, and had four children, Judith, Christine, Gareth and Vanessa. Geoffrey worked for the family firm as a stonemason and Netty continued her nursing career at South Pembs. Hospital between having the children. Netty’s mode of transport at this time was a temperamental moped that did not go well against the wind in her uniform.

Although she worked very hard, she also had tremendous fun, taking part in numerous concerts for the patients, and fundraising with bed pushes around Pembroke Dock. She formed many life-long friendships during her wonderful nursing career.

Netty and Geoffrey had a very happy family life, frequently enjoying outings and get togethers with the extended family, as well as Sunday School anniversary days where Netty’s hats were a feature.

However, Geoffrey sadly passed away aged 49 years in 1968, a time of great sadness.

Netty and her children continued to live a 3 Kesteven Court until she met and married Llewellyn Williams and became mother to his twin daughters, Susan and Karen. The family then moved to Rosedene Cottage where they all lived until the children got married. During this time, Netty took in a stray kitten which soon turned into a menagerie of semi-wild cats, all of whom she lovingly cared for.

When Llewellyn passed away, Netty continued to live independently at Rosedene despite undergoing a second operation for cancer at the age of 87 years. When her health began to deteriorate, she moved to Gareth and Anita’s family home and lived comfortably and happily with the support of all the family until her passing.

Throughout her life, Netty cared for and nursed many people, as well as being a life-long member and fundraiser for Cancer Research. She was also the local co-ordinator for the Leprosy Mission for many years, as well as supporting many other charities close to her heart.

Netty loved her flower gardens, enjoyed watching snooker and knitting. She took great pride in her baking and was sought-after for her Christmas cake which was her mother’s Scottish recipe.

Netty has also had a fulfiling and busy life with her brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews whom she loved and took great interest in every one of them.

Her faith had been her rock and Carew Methodist Chapel has been her spiritual home.

She was predeceased by Mr. Geoffrey Hicks (died 1968) and Mr. Llewellyn Williams (died 2006).

Family left to mourn Judith Ashley (daughter), Christine and Christopher Phillips (daughter and son-in-law), Gareth and Anita Hicks (son and daughter-in-law), Vanessa Phillips (daughter), Susan and Peter Johnson (step-daughter and son-in-law), Karen and Andrew Goodridge (step-daughter and son-in-law), Margaret and John Davies (sister and brother-in-law), George Palmer (brother), many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins.

The funeral service took place on Tuesday, May 9, at Carew Wesley Chapel, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Officiating was the Rev. Lorette J. Hinson, while bearers were Simon and James Phillips, Daniel Goodridge (grandsons), Dafydd Palmer and Gerald Hicks (nephews) and Philip Stockton (partner of granddaughter).

Donations, if so desired for Carew and Cresselly Cancer Research and The Leprosy Mission, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who conducted the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. e. jenkins

Poynton, cheshire

On Friday, May 19, Mrs. Edna Jenkins passed away following a short and, alas, painful illness.

Edna was 86-years-old and spent all her life living in her home village, Poynton, and loved her village.

She was the wife of Tenby-ite Arthur Jenkins. The couple were married in Poynton and December would have been their 68th anniversary.

Edna was a wonderful person, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be leaving us all so many memories.

The close family includes Ivor Jenkins, Christopher Jenkins (son) and Arja (his wife), Robert and Hayley Jenkins (grandson and his wife) and their daughter Daisy, David Jenkins and Hannah Jenkins (grandson and his wife) and their sons William, Thomas and Harry.

Donations in lieu of flowers for Macclesfield Hospice can be sent to Ivor Jenkins, 23 Dombey Road, Poynton, Cheshire.