Olivia Armada Williams

Peace has been the mantra and goal of my life.

Educated in the E. Chicago school system, Indiana University and American Baptist Theological Seminary, I valued education.

Most of all I valued the life God lead me to and through. I married my only love Ira Williams (deceased). In 1956, we proudly parented through this union our sons Dean, and Ira Jr. (deceased), daughters Lael Williams-Melville, Tamara Williams-Carter, Kara Williams-English and a special gift Tyrone Jacobs (we accepted as our son). From their unions were 11 grandchildren (1 deceased).

Dedicating my life to trying to make a positive difference in some one’s life took me to several careers: Nurse’s Assistant, Girl Scout Field Advisor, Job Development Transition Specialist, E Chicago Public Schools Security Supervisor, Job Development Specialist, and Community Outreach, Denver, Colorado.

The most important and satisfying of my life has been my dedication to the service of God. As an ordained Elder in the A.M.E Zion church, I served as an Associate Minister at St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church, E Chicago, Indiana, Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church, Denver, Colorado, and Fisher Chapel, Phoenix, AZ. I served as Pastor of Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church. Thank You Lord for giving me the opportunity.

My extended family included a brother, Sherwood Thornton and a sister, Amelia Hughes both of Phoenix, AZ. I am joining my husband, Ira Williams, mother, Lillian Thornton, father, Homer Lee Thornton SR., two brothers, Herman Thornton and Homer Lee Thornton Jr., my sister Ella Fox and son Ira Williams Jr. on the other side.

To my many nieces, nephews and other beloved relatives and friends I dearly loved you. Thank you for touching my life.

“No one will care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

“Nothing is too hard for God”