It saddens me to announce that a great Elder of the Craft & Pagan communities in London, and a Wiccan High Priestess – Jean Ellen Williams- has passed away few days ago – on Christmas day 25th December 2015.
As Fates would have it, I was writing about another dear HPS Maureen Brown who passed away on 25th December, 11 years ago, when news of this came. I have had to wait till news was given to Jean’s family & close friends, before it could be made public here.
Christina Oakley Harrington (of Treadwell’s Books in London) and a very close friend of Jean Williams, posted the following few days ago:
“We sadly announce that Jean Williams, a much loved member of the Pagan community, died yesterday afternoon. She died peacefully, from heart failure, with her husband Zach at her side. Jean had been involved in paganism since the early sixties – she founded and ran Pagan Pathfinders for thirty five years, co-founded the Companions of the Rainbow Bridge, was a core member of the Pagan Federation since 1988 — and made many friends through her European summer holidays. Gracious, sociable and non-dogmatic, she relished the variety of paths and personalities in paganism. Also in some ways a very private person, in her personal spiritual life she was a Wiccan high priestess of the Gardnerian tradition, with a quiet and close-knit coven who are very much her intimate family. She leaves her husband (Zachary Cox), her brother, and many treasured friends and colleagues. We will be announcing arrangements in about a week’s time. .. Blessings, Ruth, Peter, Sylvia and Christina”
And I posted the following on my facebook wall and community pages:
“The news has been now openly announced elsewhere so I can write a little about it – Jean Ellen Williams – Wiccan Elder and High Priestess – has died yesterday (yeah on Xmas day) due to heart failure.
About 2 weeks ago I went to see her in hospital, and had some chats.. We were told she was getting better and even moved back home. I spoke briefly on the phone with her on Yule (22nd December)..and was planning to go see her (as soon as my dreaded cold was gone..I did not want to infect an unwell lady).. but sadly it is not to be.
She’s been a great magical friend & mentor for me – and held my hands and supported me so much when in 2004, I took the responsibility of being Events Organiser for Pagan Federation London, and continued to do so till I stepped down in 2012. Jean is also the lady who introduced me to Earth Day.. In hospital I was telling her that she’ll be my honoured Guest for the Gaian Times (eco-magical) conference am planning for 2016… (it will now be in her honoured memory..for she cared so much about the Earth!).
In hospital, she spoke of magical things… quantum things.. and her new book being almost complete..and gave me some things to read about. There is much more to say.. but now is not the time..
I am deeply grateful to one dear friend who was kind enough to keep me informed. I have hundreds of old photos…which I will share privately with relevant people.. For now, Jean, may you rest in eternal peace..and awaken unto the divine realms! ps. please find Maureen and Madge and Harry ..and have some tea & cakes! ..”
Bright Blessing
-Mani Navasothy
Links/ Blogs
Jean Williams Memorial Page(facebook)
Remembering Maureen Brown- Wiccan High Priestess (blog)
Who on Earth was Doreen Valiente? (blog)
QuantumPhoenix 