Obituary: Marjorie Williams (1930-2018) – Founder Member of the Guildford Town Guides

Published on: 14 Sep, 2018
Updated on: 17 Sep, 2018

Marjorie Williams

By Matthew Alexander

Marjorie Williams died in Guildford on August 30, at the age of 88. She had been born Marjorie Taylor on March 8 1930 in Hull. She studied English at Birmingham University, where she met Richard Williams who was studying physics after completing his wartime service.

They married in 1952 and had three sons, James, Matthew and Henry. The family moved to Guildford in 1968, and Marjorie worked as a remedial teacher at George Abbot School from 1973 to 1989. She then worked part-time at Guildford Museum until 2006.

Marjorie had always had an interest in local history and archaeology, and was an active member of the Guildford Group of the Surrey Archaeological Society. She was a founder member of the Guildford Town Guides, becoming the group’s co-ordinator in 1983. She was also the secretary of the Friends of Guildford Museum at its formation in 1994, before becoming co-ordinator of volunteers.

Although far too modest to acknowledge her contributions, Marjorie dedicated herself for over 30 years as an advocate for the town and its heritage.  Her work was, however, celebrated by the town in 2006, when Marjorie was chosen to present the traditional plum cake to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh when they visited Guildford on Maundy Thursday.

Her numerous contributions to the community were further officially recognised in the New Year’s Honours in 2008, when she was made an MBE.

Marjorie is survived by her three sons, and will be greatly missed by them, their families and her friends.  The funeral will take place at 12.45 on Friday 21st September at Guildford Crematorium, and afterwards at the Manor Inn.

Donations directly to MacMillan Cancer Support or the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice would be welcome.

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