Nellie Williams

Nellie was born on May 12, 1944, in Indianola, Mississippi to the late Frank and Luceal

Williams.

In 1959, Nellie gave birth to her first son, James Porter, and the following year she gave birth to a second son, Raymond Tyrone Williams. Due to family matters, Nellie migrated from Mississippi to Queens, NY, leaving both her sons James Porter and Raymond Tyrone Williams in the care of family members to pursue better educational and career opportunities.

In 1962, Nellie gave birth to her only daughter, Theresa Williams. After her daughter's birth, she met her husband, Willie R. Young, and they had two sons together.

In 1964, Nellie gave birth to her third son, Bryant Keith Young (known as Quill), and in 1966, she gave birth to her fourth son, whom she named Willie Robert Young. He was named after his father because he bore a striking resemblance to him, and anyone would have thought that it was his father who carried him for nine months instead of Nellie.

In the years following, Nellie had to put her education on hold in order to prioritize her responsibilities as a mother and dedicated housewife.

In 1969, Nellie joined Hope Christian Baptist Church located in Queens, New York, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She joined the usher board and served with unwavering devotion. Nellie was not only dedicated but also known as one of the prettiest ushers who served the congregation and the late Bishop Boyce Sr.

In the year 1973 Nellie and her husband, Willie, purchased their first home, and moved their family to Springfield NY. The following year Nellie had studied intensively for an exam for the United States Postal Service and passed the exam with flying colors!

Nellie was filled with great enthusiasm for her new job opportunity and was eager to see what she could accomplish in her next life’s adventure. With an unstoppable spirit, she shed the years of pregnancy weight and mastered the art of driving, all for the sake of embarking on thrilling road trips with her children. Not only did she make two unforgettable trips to Disney World, but she also explored the open road with her children by her side. The adventures were endless, and the memories Nellie created lasted a lifetime.

The Bump in the Road:

In the eventful year of 1977, Nellie found herself as a single parent, raising her remaining two sons Bryant and Willie. But little did she know that fate had a grand plan in store for her. Fast forward to 1984, Nellie gave birth to her fifth son, Derek John Grant, defying all odds and proving that age was just a number. Nellie often joked that the Lord had a great sense of humor, and He certainly did when He blessed her with Derek. Who would have thought that at the age of 40, Nellie would still be able to experience the joys of motherhood once again? It's amazing how life surprises us sometimes, and Nellie was certainly in for a thrilling ride.

Between the years 1991-1995, Nellie joined Tiberian Baptist Church located in Queens, NY under the leadership of Reverend Clark.

A Critical Moment:

On Thursday, November 16, 1995, both Luceal Norwood, the mother of Nellie, and Mr. Grant, the father of Derek, passed away. This left Nellie feeling devastated and alone. However, her second oldest son, Raymond Williams, helped her and his youngest brother, Derek, move to Dallas, Texas with the guidance of the Lord. This move was intended to offer them a brighter and better future.

Another Job opportunity:

In 1996, Nellie's son Raymond Williams saw another opportunity for his mother and got her a job at the Dallas Schools County as a bus driver. She worked there for 18 years, retiring in 2014.

Nellie was a member of various churches and attended different assemblies during different periods. Here's a list of her church membership and attendance:

- Saintsville Baptist Church from 1996 to 1999. The church was led by Reverend Milton Pace during her membership.

- Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship from 1999 to 2000. Dr. Anthony Evans Sr. was the head of the church during her attendance.

- New Convent Fellowship Church Dallas, Texas from 2005 to present. She has been a member of the church since then and Reverend Andre Byrd, Sr. is the current leader of the church.

During her final days, Nellie Williams passed away at Methodist Richardson Medical Center on Tuesday, April 24, 2024. When she transcended to glory, she was surrounded by her family. Unfortunately, she was preceded in death by both her parents, Frank Williams and Luceal Norwood, as well as several siblings, including Edna Mae Williams, Frank Williams, Rosa Mae Huffman, Annie Porter Norwood, Johnny Williams, Van Norwood, Loretta Murphy, and Princella Williams-Heatley.

Nellie left a lasting impression on those who knew her for her straightforwardness, kindness, storytelling, and her great sense of humor.

She is survived by six children, James Porter, Raymond T. Williams, Theresa Williams-Han, Bryant K. Young, Willie R. Young, and Derek J. Grant. She also leaves behind a son-in-law named, Lee Han; Pamela Perkins (Quill’s Partner); a brother-in-law named, Rufus Heatley; a sister-in-law, Corrine-Williams. Additionally, she is survived by 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and her 97-year-old uncle, Edward Porter along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Throughout her life, she was loved by her church family and friends.

Gone But Never Forgotten:

Nellie, your memory lives on, etched in the fabric of our hearts.

May you find solace in the divine embrace, where time knows no bounds and pain is but a fleeting whisper. Rest, dear soul, in the gentle cradle of eternity, where sorrows fade and joy blossoms anew. And when the dawn of reunion breaks, we shall stand together in Jesus’ radiant glory, forevermore.

We will miss you greatly and love you always,

May you rest in peace.