Irene W. Williams

Irene W. Williams, age 97, peacefully entered her rest on May 21, 2026. Born on March 25, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, to Julian and Garnetta Gray Williams, Irene lived a life distinguished by faith, service, perseverance, and unconditional love.

During her childhood, Irene lived in Memphis, Tennessee, with her great-aunt and great-uncle, Emma “Cutsy” Roberta and Garland Jones. She later graduated from Oakwood Academy. After returning to Chicago, she married Leonard Williams, and together they were blessed with three daughters: Garnette, Pamela, and Laurene.

Following moves to Florida and later Nashville, Tennessee, Irene dedicated herself to serving others. She worked at Riverside Hospital in various capacities, including the School of Practical Nursing, Radiation Department, Laboratory, and Business Office. In 1969, she joined the South Central Conference Adventist Book Center, eventually serving as Assistant Manager. After retirement, she operated an assisted-living home in Sacramento, California, before returning to Nashville in 1993 to continue serving at the Adventist Book Center. Her denominational service spanned more than 31 years.

A devoted member of Riverside Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church, Irene faithfully served as Sabbath School Secretary, Church Treasurer, ordained Elder, choir member, SORs Treasurer, and in numerous other ministries. Her love for God was evident in her daily devotional life, faithful prayer ministry, and steadfast commitment to her church family.

Irene enjoyed sewing, roller skating, bowling, traveling, scrapbooking, crafting, solving puzzles, and spending time with her family. She especially cherished her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, continually encouraging them to trust in God.

Known for her beautiful smile, infectious laughter, and unwavering faith, Irene will be remembered as cheerful, resilient, compassionate, and deeply devoted to Christ. Her life was a testimony of service, kindness, and love.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Williams; her parents, Julian and Garnetta Williams; her brother, Walter Williams; her sister, Doris Williams; and other beloved family members.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Garnette Dykes, Pamela Hopkins, and Laurene Williams-Brown; her brother, Julian Williams, Jr.; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, treasured friends, and her beloved church family.

Today, we celebrate a life well lived and a faith well kept. With blessed hope, we look forward to that glorious day when Jesus calls Irene from her rest and reunites her with her loved ones.

**Soon and very soon.**