The family of the late Judge Karen Johnson Williams is forging ahead with a fundraiser for an organization that helped them following her diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.
Williams, retired chief judge of the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, died at her home on Five Chop Road on Nov. 2. She was 62.
Her family has decided to honor her memory, as well as that of the late Orangeburg resident Frances Dell Jennings who died of Alzheimer’s earlier this year, with a “Shagging to Remember” fundraiser. The event will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at the home of the late Judge Williams’ son, Charlie H. Williams III, and his wife, Blake, at 499 Wild Hearts Road in Cameron. All proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter.
“I’ve gotten involved with the Alzheimer’s Association and CART, or Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust, to help spread the word and get support,” Charlie Williams said. “It was about two months ago that the community approached me about doing a little benefit fundraiser in honor of my mom. At the same time, Frances Dell Jennings had just recently passed from Alzheimer’s, and we wanted to do something in memory of her as well.”
Tickets are available for a minimum donation of $75. Entertainment will be provided by the Band of Oz and recording artist Bryson Jennings, the grandson of Frances Dell Jennings. There will be a full bar and food catered by three caterers.
Williams said while the decision to continue with the fundraiser after his own mother’s passing was a difficult one, the family thinks she would have been pleased with their work to support the organization that stood by her family during the time of her diagnosis.
“Her death caught us all off guard, but it may be a blessing in disguise. We certainly wish we had had some more good times with her, but she’s in a better place now and at peace. So we’re happy with that,” Williams said. “It was very tough deciding whether or not to continue the event but after a lot of thought, talking to friends and family and praying about it, we all came to believe that she would have wanted us to have this party, celebrate her and Ms. Jennings’ life and raise funds.”
He said the Alzheimer’s Association provided great support to his family.
“They helped her and the family with the most difficult time in our lives. They were the first people that reached out to us and kind of helped us and started us on the journey that we went down,” Williams said. “My mom lost her battle, but she did everything she could when she was alive to help raise awareness.
“She did everything she could to be an advocate for those with Alzheimer’s. We’re going to continue to support the association in memory of mom and Ms. Frances Dell Jennings.”
Williams said everyone is welcome to attend.
“We want to make everyone aware and for all to come. When times get tough, we all seem to come together, and we just wanted to have a big event and raise awareness and money for a good cause,” he said.
“While we’re devastated with our loss, we remember what a beautiful person mom was inside and out,” Williams added.
“Although her death was untimely, she was certainly looking forward to the party and gathering with friends and family.”
Williams said business and corporate sponsors are being sought to help support the event. People are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance, he said. Check donations can be payable to “Shagging for Karen” and mailed to: Williams & Williams, PO Box 1084, Orangeburg, SC 29116. All donations are tax deductible.
To purchase a ticket or for more information about the event, call Williams & Williams Attorneys at Law at 803-534-5218 or visit Williams’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/166773673531312/.
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