Ethelda K Williams

Ethelda Louise Williams (née Koelz), 97, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025. Daughter of Albert Rudolph and Ethel Lee (Acree) Koelz, Ethelda was born on, September 22, 1927, in Memphis, Tennessee. She lived a long and meaningful life devoted to education, faith, and family.

Ethelda graduated from Humes High School in Memphis and went on to earn her Master’s degree in Mathematics and Education from Memphis State University. Though she initially aspired of becoming an airline attendant—a dream she set aside due to the requirement of perfect vision—she found her true calling in teaching. Her career as an educator spanned decades and left a lasting impression on countless students.

One of the more remarkable anecdotes from her early teaching years includes having taught the future music legend Johnny Cash while working in Arkansas. However, it was in Pensacola where Ethelda built the foundation of her professional legacy. She spent 25 years teaching math at Washington High School in Pensacola before relocating with her family to Ponce, Puerto Rico. There, she continued her work in education at the Ft. Allen Naval Base for a year. Upon returning to Pensacola in 1980, she resumed teaching and ultimately retired from Warrington Middle School. In addition to her full-time teaching roles, Ethelda also served as an adjunct professor at Pensacola Junior College, where she taught higher-level math courses.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Ethelda was a longtime member of Olive Baptist Church alongside her two children. She led by example, instilling Christian values in her home and guiding her children toward baptism before their teenage years.

Ethelda was a devoted mother and grandmother whose love and generosity touched everyone around her. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Henry A. Williams III and Angela L. Williams; daughter, Mary Melissa Williams-Cook; grandson, Dale Henry Monteith; and many other beloved family members including nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by all six of her siblings: John Koelz, Edward Koelz, James Koelz, Acree Koelz, Mary Jane Koelz, and Wilhelmina Doris.

In her leisure time, Ethelda enjoyed solving Sudoku puzzles and watching her favorite television shows—especially “Matlock,” starring Andy Griffith, and “The Golden Girls.” Her gentle spirit and kind heart made her a cherished presence in the lives of those who knew her.

Ethelda was a devoted mother and grandmother—caring, loving, and always willing to lend a helping hand or listening ear. Her son wrote a heartfelt letter that captures the profound impact Ethelda had as a mother:

“Out of all of the mothers in the world, God gave me you...You took over the role of Mother and Father when I was growing up...Your support was unfailing, as is your love...You are a treasure and deserve more than I could ever repay for what you have done for me...You are loving, caring, kind, optimistic, hard-working—a fighter who keeps pushing forward no matter what hardships there may be—and a true blessing to others...One thing I will always remember you saying is: ‘It’s going to be alright, everything’s going to work out.’ As I know it has and always will…I am truly honored and grateful to be your son...You are the biggest blessing in my life.”

Ethelda’s unwavering dedication to her family and students will be remembered with admiration and gratitude. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with wisdom, compassion, and grace.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.