Gwinnett Daily Post

SUWANEE -- Rosemary Benevides Williams loved country music, her coffee made on time and a special chair that was off limits to everybody else.

Williams, an integral member of the North Gwinnett Arts Association, died on Monday. She was 66.

NGAA President Vickie Johnson said she remembered Williams as a "ball of love." Williams was involved in the group's Open Studio in Town Center, and often shared her latest project or sought out direction.

"She always did her very best to encourage those around her who were struggling to find their own way through the trials and tribulations we all deal with, and she felt art was an important way to cope," Johnson said.

Johnson said Williams was the NGAA's best spokeswoman, and left visitors full of information, encouragement and the desire to return soon.

"When it came to education," Johnson said, "she was on top, sharing new ways to do things, making sure we were being environmentally friendly, and recycling whenever possible."

Johnson added that Williams often called her husband of 37 years, Richard, to let him know she was on her way home. And she liked to wear a Halloween costume, or paint a color streak in her hair, depending on the season.

"She was the greatest," Johnson said. "In the art of caring, sharing, loving, creating and living."