Beatrice Brown Williams

On a hot summer day in Lee County, Texas, Beatrice Brown Williams entered this world on July 8, 1933. Born to James and Elizabeth Holloway Brown, she became one of thirteen children raised on a farm large enough to feed and support the entire family. Hard work was no stranger to her, as she labored many hours daily helping her mother feed and care for her siblings.

She married the late Rev. Robert Ray Williams, Sr., a Korean War Veteran, on June 10, 1951 and remained married for thirty-three years until his death in 1985. Four children were born during their marriage, Linda Darnell, Betty Jo, Robert Ray, Jr. and Jollie Bernard. During their marriage, a higher calling from the Lord led her husband into the ministry and to Ebenezer Baptist Church. Beatrice served as First Lady during the time her husband became the interim pastor for the church during a time of transition. When he was called to become the pastor at Good Hope Baptist, she continued her role as First Lady and ministered with her husband.

During her First Lady years, she also worked full-time for the Austin Independent School District (AISD.) from 1955-1996. Beatrice’s education included high school, the University of Texas course hours in Human Relations and Nutrition. She participated in continuous training through workshops, seminars and conferences. This training provided her with an extensive and valued work experience. Early in her career in food service, Beatrice was recognized as someone with great potential. She performed above average in her career working in various positions as she made her way up the ladder and became a Manager Trainee. From this training she earned the leadership position of Manager at Maplewood Elementary, Matthews Elementary, Oak Springs Elementary and serving her last 24 years at Campbell Elementary. Her responsibilities included supervising meals for over 500 students twice a day and handling the finances for that cafeteria. While at AISD, Beatrice feels the Lord blessed her in so many ways to pursue opportunities proposed to her from the district, such as, being Hostess for U.S.D.N. Healthy School Meal Satellite Teleconference. For three years she worked and trained students who were preparing for a career in nutrition. Beatrice retired from AISD. with an exceptional 41 years of service.

As she labored with the school district, she never forgot the church. Returning to Ebenezer after her husband’s death, Beatrice became involved in the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). As an active member of WMU, she served in many roles and positions such as Vice President of Mission II, Martha Circle Mission Action Chairperson and as President of Martha Circle. In addition she coordinated the Women’s Retreats sponsored by the WMU. For several years, under her leadership, over fifty women have participated annually. On the evaluations, the participants rated the retreat as excellent. They noted the experience was spiritually enriching and encouraged bonding and fellowship between the women. The entire experience was so successful and positive the pastor encouraged the group to go beyond themselves and invite more women to participate. Some of her other areas of service included Assistant Bible Teacher, coordinator of a church wide study course in cooperation with the Discipleship Training Department, Discipleship Training Leadership, Sunday School Teacher, Social Committee Chairperson, Carol Choir Coordinator, Grief Ministry member, member of Deaconess Board and a member of Ebenezer Care Team. Beatrice provided leadership at Christmas and Easter programs. She chaired the Social Committee of the church and her leadership involved every event or activity that required planning, purchasing, food preparation, decorations and food service. Her long experience at AISD prepared her for being in charge of the kitchen and its equipment. With her extraordinary culinary skills, she performed her tasks with dedication, hard work and always with a touch of elegance and creativity. In addition to her service to the church, Beatrice worked full-time as Food Service Director for the Texas Empowerment Agency. As the Director, she planned meals that met federal guidelines, kept records, took care of purchasing and completed the preparations. On a daily basis, Beatrice provided the nutritional needs of 128 students and 20 staff members. Beatrice has received numerous awards and certificates acknowledging and celebrating her service in the church and in her career. Two of those awards granted by Ebenezer Baptist Church Congregation were for Woman of the Year and Single Parent of the Year. Beatrice was an Honoree in the Grand Salute to Seniors 2014, presented by Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated.

Her involvement in her career and in her church did not stop her from volunteering in her community wherever she could help. She became an active member of her Neighborhood Association and the St. John Regular Baptist Association. She was a member of Church Women United (CWU) and a member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW). When she could travel, she visited nursing homes every Thursday and worked in the Soup Kitchen once each month. At any time in the week one could find her visiting the sick and shut-in, taking them meals and providing scriptural comfort. For her own pleasure she became a member of the East Austin Garden Club that shares experience, expertise and information on gardening. Beatrice loved to cook, bake and decorate. Her skills are legend. The fun part for her was watching everyone eat and enjoy themselves.

As much as she served in her work, church and community, there is absolutely no match for her devotion to her four children, their spouses, and the families they produced. Their love and respect for her showed through their support of her many projects and activities.

Her guidepost in every area of life was to “Trust in the Lord.” Beatrice referred often to Psalm 121. She planned to work for her Lord and Savior until He says, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Amen.

Mrs. Beatrice Williams was called home to be with our Lord in the home of her eldest daughter. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Brothers and sisters who preceded her in death are Ora Brown, Hiawatha Brown, Walter Brown, Jesse James Brown of Elgin, Quilla Brown of Texas, George Brown, Joe Arthur Brown, Hillary Brown, Paul Brown, Robert Brown all of Ft. Worth, Texas; John Quincy Brown of Stockton, California; Hattie Bell Blue of Austin Texas.

Her four children, 13 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren mourn her passing.

Linda Ellison (Burt, spouse) of Austin, TX; their 2 daughters, Tamara Celeste Tucker; her 2 daughters, Jasmine Celeste Tucker and Kyra Darnell Tucker.

Langley Catherine Chatman (Schurod, spouse); their daughter, Ashlynn Taylor Chatman, (Qwali Chatman)

Betty Jo Tryon (Howard, spouse) of Midlothian, TX; their 3 children, Stephen Andrew Tryon,

Philip Ray Tryon (Joanna, spouse); their 2 children, Harvey Ray Tryon and Anna Beatrice Tryon.

Lauren Beatrice Robinson (Keenan, spouse); their 4 children, Kaidence Love Robinson, Luna Haven Robinson, Stone Bennett Robinson. Haven Reign Robinson preceded her great-grandmother Beatrice Williams in death.

Robert Ray Williams, Jr. (Jeannetta, spouse) of Brazoria, TX; their 5 children, Robert Ray Williams III. John Christopher Williams, Dana Elisabeth Williams, Derek DeShon Williams, his 2 sons, Jevon Ahmer Williams and Kyii Sjhon Williams

Ondrea Nicole Crenshaw (Christian, spouse); their 2 children, Cade Allen Crenshaw and Carsyn Reign Crenshaw

Jollie Bernard Williams (Yvonne, spouse) of Pflugerville, TX; their 3 children, Krystal Nicole Johnson (Kirk, spouse); their 3 children, Addison D'Lila Williams, Dawrence Kirk Johnson, III "KJ," Nehemiah William Johnson, (Kennedy Lee Johnson)

Jollie Julian Williams (Lindsey, spouse); their son, Jollie Khai Williams, (Lianah Lbarguen)

Jollie Joshua Williams (Stephanie, spouse); their 3 children, Jollie Josiah Williams, Gabriela Yvonne Williams, Nova Nicole Williams

Special members of the family who mourn her loss; Deone R. Wilhite; Ruth and Ray Godine, her loving Ebenezer Third Baptist Church Family; Carol Choir; Martha Circle members and many others who she loved and supported her.

Beatrice Williams received many accolades of respect from state officials upon her death. Some of the ones who contacted the family were:

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (replaced our dearly departed Bernice Johnson)

Representative Ron Reynolds (Chairman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus)

Claude Cummings (National President of CWA (Communications Workers of America)

Bishop James Dixon (President of Houston NAACP and Chairman of Houston Sports Authority)

Shuronda Robinson (President/CEO of ADISA Communications)

Commissioner David Linder (Brazoria County Pct 1 Commissioner)

A visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, with a wake service will follow from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A visitation will also be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 11:50 AM at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1010 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78702. A Homegoing Celebrating Beatrice's life will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1010 E 10th St, Austin, TX 78702. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at a graveside service at Cook-Walden/Memorial Hill Cemetery in Pflugerville. There will be a repast held at Cook-Walden/Capital Park Funeral Home immediately following the burial.