Patricia Semilene Williams

Pat's Dedication to West Chester Township

Patricia Semilene Williams, lovingly known as Pat, graced this world with her vibrant spirit on January 29, 1923, in the quaint town of Lewisburg, Ohio. After a fulfilling and accomplished life, she passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, in Mason, Ohio, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate in the hearts of many.

Pat's journey was a tapestry woven with personal triumphs and unwavering dedication to her community. A woman of remarkable tenacity, she embarked on her political career much later in life, winning her first election at the age of 52. She was first elected to office in 1975, the first woman in the state of Ohio elected for clerk/fiscal officer and opened the first public office in West Chester Township (then Union Township). Serving alongside 14 different township trustees during the most transformative years of West Chester Township, Pat administered the oath to hundreds of West Chester Township police officers and firefighters. She developed her passion for public service from her father, who was mayor of Lewisburg, Ohio. Even as she reached the age of 89, her passion for public service echoed loudly, until the time came when she decided to step back from the campaign trail.

The annals of Pat's life are also colored by love, loss, and redemption. Once a young widow following the unexpected passing of her high school sweetheart, William Woodworth, due to a heart attack in 1960, Pat displayed an incredible resilience. It was through the gentle encouragement of her dear friend, Barbara, that Pat attended a dance in Dayton, Ohio—an evening that would forever alter the course of her life. There, amidst the swirling lights and laughter, her heart danced with another: William "Billy" Williams. After just one dance, they both felt an undeniable connection, and in a beautiful testament to love's serendipity, they were united in marriage on August 13, 1968, enveloped by joy and shared dreams.

In 1968, Pat and Billy purchased their cherished home in West Chester, where they worked tirelessly to create a warm haven for their sons, Christopher Preston Williams and William Matthew Williams. Their residence became a sanctuary of love and laughter, filled with countless memories that would shape the lives of their family for years to come. A granddaughter, Alice Eva Williams, carries Pat’s spirit, embodying the legacy of her beloved grandmother.

Educated at Miami University, Pat further honed her elegance and poise at a prestigious finishing school in New York City. Yet, her true elegance shone not merely in her accomplishments but in her profound character. As a member of Faith United Methodist Church, she lived her life rooted in deep faith, often found reciting the Protection Prayer each night. She embodied the principles she cherished, treating her role within the community not simply as a duty but as a heartfelt gift. Her unwavering commitment to the truth was a guiding light for all who sought her counsel; she would always remind them, “tell the truth.”

Pat's love for the outdoors mirrored her reverence for the Earth itself. A true advocate for nature, she immersed herself in activities to preserve the beauty around her, understanding her responsibility to foster a clean and flourishing planet. In her moments of leisure, she often paraphrased her life’s mantra: to serve the community was not just an obligation—it was a joyful vocation.

The ties of family extended into the realm of friendships, where Pat maintained many lifelong connections—cherished allies who shared in her joys and sorrows alike. While she found so much of her strength in those she called friends, she was also encumbered by the passage of loved ones. She mourned the loss of her first husband, William Woodworth, and her second husband, Billy, who departed this life in 2020. Pat is reunited now with her beloved family members, including her parents, Sylvester Baker and Eva Ellen (nee Coffman) Baker, her daughter-in-law, Linda Williams, and the love of her youth.

As we celebrate the life of Patricia Semilene Williams, we honor not only her extraordinary achievements but also the warmth and wisdom she bestowed upon all fortunate enough to know her. She will forever be remembered as a daughter of the Earth—a fierce protector of her community, a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and above all, a beacon of faith and truth.