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Wanda Williams Obituary
Wanda Ann (First Lady)
(First Lady) Wanda Ann Williams, 65, passed away February 11, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. She was First Lady of Eastern Star Baptist Church in Toledo, OH and two additional churches in Buffalo, NY and a dedicated church leader. Mrs. Williams was born in Luxora, AR, the fourth of 11 children. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and completed her Master's at University of Indiana. She married John W. Williams in 1968.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Williams was guided by her strong Christian faith. She began teaching Sunday school at 16 and after she relocated to Indianapolis, she served as youth supervisor, Sunday school teacher and mission teacher, as well as church clerk. She taught in the Indianapolis public schools until her husband was called as pastor of Eastern Star Baptist Church in 1979. Rev. Dr. Williams also took on pastoral duties at New Zion Baptist Church in 1991 and Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in 2004 with Sister Williams, always by his side.
Sister Williams leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Rev. Dr. John W. Williams; daughter, Yolonda Cheles Williams; her father, Curtis Wilson; six brothers, Jesse (Catherine) and Tony (Felicia) Byrd, Orbeny (Mary Ann), Dwight, Meltorme and Dion (Audrey) Wilson; one sister, Kim (Terrell) Bryant; granddaughter, Marguita Nicole; six sisters-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews, church family, other relatives, and many friends.
There was a funeral service on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Buffalo, NY. There will be visitation Friday 3-6 p.m., followed by wake services 6-8 p.m. at Eastern Star Baptist Church. Also, visitation Saturday 10 a.m., followed by a Homegoing Celebration 11:00 a.m. Eastern Star Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. John W. Williams pastor, Rev. Charles Jones officiant, Rev. Wallace Mills eulogist. Interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangement by the Dale-Riggs Funeral Home.
www.dalefh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wanda Williams
Vivian Higginbotham (Williams)
February 27, 2015
It is with deepest sympathy that I extend to you John and Yolanda and your entire family. In remenising I go back to our childhood and college days and find it hard to believe that you have made your transistion to your heavenly home. I know God greeted you with a smile as big as your smile. What a beautiful smile it was. It's my prayer that you John and Yolanda will find comfort in knowing that she is indeed with The Lord. Rest in Heaven Wanda Ann.
Amanda Bates Murray
February 26, 2015
Pastor Williams and Yolanda.
I was blessed to have known your wife. She had a beauty about her. That show each time I was in her present. I thank God for her words of encouragement during my loss of my husband Rev. Donald M.Murray. She will be missed . But God has another angel
Rev Dwayne and Carolyn Palmer
February 25, 2015
Pastor Williams and Yolanda, our prayers and support are with you as we received the news that such a precious jewel in the the body of Christ is no present in the flesh,but truly her radiant smile and wisdom will always be within the hearts of those she touch as she journeyed well through this side of Heaven.
Zetta Ferguson
February 22, 2015
My sincerest prayers to Paster Williams and Yolanda. Sis Williams touched a many lives including my own. Her love, knowledge and wisdom of God was extraordinary and will be sorely missed.
keshia
February 22, 2015
Words alone are not enough to express How much you truly mean to me. You will forever be missed. Pastor, yolonda marquita my thoughts and prayer are with you always through this difficult time know that God is with you love you more than you will ever know.
Barnetta (JACKIE) Taylor
February 21, 2015
Rev.Williams & Yolanda I am so sorry to learn of the loss of your wife & mother. My prayers are with you both.
Shalaunda Jordan
February 21, 2015
Sis Williams was a blessing to me and my family. I will keep you Pastor Williams and Yolonda in my prayers and all three church family. Love you and thanks for sharing her with us. Shalaunda,Michael, Ronald Jr.and Devalin.
Pastor Calvin Wortham
February 21, 2015
The Holland Grove Baptist Church family of Arcadia,Louisiana send our deepest sympathy. Our prayer is that others will emulate the life Sis. Williams lived.
February 20, 2015
Pastor Williams, we will keep you and family lifted up in prayer. Our prayer is that others will emulate her life of service in the work of the Lord as she did so fervently.
Elloraine Maddox
February 20, 2015
To Pastor Williams, Yolonda and family. Praying for peace and comfort at this time. Sister Williams will truly be missed. May GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!
Ebenezer Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Wendell S. Hamner Sr.
February 20, 2015
Our prayers go out to you and your family.
Rev. Henry & Marva Goodwin
February 20, 2015
Rev. Henry I. Jr. and Marva Goodwin: Share with you in the loss of your Beloved Wife, Mother and First Lady Wanda Ann Williams.
May we commend you to Heaven's Bountiful supply of strength in this hour of sorrow?
It is our Prayer that you will be comforted in knowing that First Lady Wanda Ann has quietly escaped life's storm tossed sea......
Yes! From all life's toils and cares. First lady Wanda Ann Williams has been set Free...There to wait with the Lord in Eternity for her Family and those that Love and care for the Lord.
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY,
Rev. Henry I. Jr. and Marva Goodwin
First Lady Denise Mosley
February 20, 2015
First Lady Williams life spoke for her. Always a listening ear and positive words of encouragement given by her. She will be greatly missed. Pastor Williams, Yolonda and family, continue to live by her example.
Sonya Blackman
February 20, 2015
Pastor Williams and Yolanda, please know that I mourn the loss of Sis. Williams with and loved her dearly. She was a great soldier for Christ. She said to me once that she didn't ask God to make her a good mother, sister, wife but to make her a good Christian and the rest would follow. She truly left her mark on me and those she touched. I will continue to pray for your comfort and strength during our time of bereavement.
Betty Woods
February 20, 2015
May the work you've done speak for you! Until we meet again.
Joyce & John Baker & Family
February 20, 2015
Praying for Pastor Williams and the entire family. God is Abe!
ANTHONY BURNLEY
February 19, 2015
WE know that a true soul has arrived in heaven, one whom the LORD has waited for and now has called home. WILL always remember her, for she was the greatest of all FIRST LADIES, as well as my spiritual mother in CHRIST
Bethesda Christian Center Cathedral
February 19, 2015
To Pastor John Williams and Church Family we will continue to pray God's strength during this time.
Patricia Bowie
February 19, 2015
I pray that the Lord will comfort you in you time of sorrow.
Linda and Linzell Miller
February 19, 2015
To the family, you have our deepest condolences. To my daughter, although I did not give birth to you, I loved you just the same. We will truly miss your beautiful spirit and smile. Our prayers are with Johnny and Yolanda, and the rest of the family. We will miss your many visits with us. Love always your second Mom and Dad, Linda and Linzell Miller and the Family.
Rosetta Cowson
February 19, 2015
My God comfort the family, church families and friends near and far I pray In Jesus.
REV. MICHAEL COLEMAN
February 19, 2015
TO PASTOR WILLIAMS AND FAMILY, YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE LOSS OF A SPECIAL LADY, SHE WILL BE MISSED. MAY GOD KEEP YOU AND FAMILY IN HIS PERFECT PEACE. ( REV. AND MRS MICHAEL COLEMAN ).
Deborah West
February 19, 2015
To Pastor Williams family,and church families,My condolences and prayers to you during this time.May God continue to keep and strengthen you.2Tim:4:7
Kimberlyreynolds
February 19, 2015
Pastor John W Williams,Yolonda and loved ones-we are praying for you during the loss of a wonderful wife,mother and First Lady! May God strengthen you at this hour. Love,Kimberly Reynolds,Don'tae and Sierra
February 19, 2015
How many times did she tell us "when you hear about my homegoing don't worry about me.." We don't get to worry but we do get to miss her...but her legacy lives on...in the hundreds of lives she touched..she lived her testimony every day. Pastor and Yolanda...we mourn and celebrate her with you....Amelia, CJ and Sharmeta
Virginia Ferguson
February 19, 2015
May The Life she lived be reflected in those who loved & Cherished her , She was a model of faith, belief, & trust for me. I want complain is what crosses my mind she never did. Prayers for the entire family Your Sister in Christ. Sister Virginia Ferguson
Kathy Willis
February 19, 2015
To The Williams Family,
I was so saddened by the passing of Sister Williams. I'm blessed to have had her as a First Lady at Eastern Star. I will always remember her beautiful smile and hearing her say, "If you take care of God's business, He will take care of yours".
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Joyce King- Bland
February 19, 2015
I'm sending my prayers to the Eastern Star Church Family for your loss. I was a member until 1986 and there was never a time i came to church Sister Williams didn't have that beautiful with so much love and a hug for everybody. Every time i came back to Toledo i would love to come to this church because she was one of the people that made me welcome and so loved. She will missed so greatly. Heaven has another one of it's angels to come home. God Bless.
Michelle Hutchen
February 19, 2015
My deepest condolences and sympathy for your family. May GOD continue to bless and keep you.
Phyllis Hutchen
February 19, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Eld.and lady j.l.jordan jr Ebenezer Baptist Church
February 19, 2015
Our Prayers goes out to the family, Eastern Star,New Zion and Memorial Baptist Church.SO beautiful and so soon.
Eld.Jimmie /Lady Rosie jordan
February 18, 2015
Oh,how greatful we are to have shared your life and ministry and your family. You will forever live with and in us.
Linda Boyd-Reese
February 18, 2015
Dear Families and Members of Eastern Star
May all that she stood for and represented of Christ be what is remembered in your hearts always.
February 17, 2015
Our prayers and condolences to the family in this hour of bereavement. May God strengthen and keep you all.
Rev. Bennie and Gloria jemison (TBC).
Sis Elaine Marshall
February 17, 2015
"I Fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"...
II Timothy 4:7
The Gethsemane MBC Womens Ministry
February 16, 2015
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1
May the Peace of God be with you during the time of Sorrows.
Pastor Hamid & Pam Motley
February 16, 2015
You will be greatly missed!
Moses Ham jr
February 15, 2015
Your friend in Christ
Judith Bennett
February 15, 2015
Your friend in Christ
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