Nina Lee Simpson Williams “Gram” was born November 30, 1928, to Ulis G. and Annie Mae Simpson, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On June 30, 2021, she gracefully left this earth to live on eternally with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The fifth child of eleven, Nina, often recounted numerous stories of growing up with her many siblings; as such, Nina always held family near and dear to her heart. She embarked on a life-long partnership some seventy-three years ago, when she met and fell in love with the late and great Boddie B. Williams, Jr. Together, they sparked a greater commitment that led to their union on February 23rd, 1951, which together, they raised four beautiful children. They taught each of them to stick close to each other and their family, do their best in this life, be positive contributors to society, always help others, and have a relationship with God and lean not unto their own understanding.
Nina lived a very active, fulfilling life with her family, in her church and community, as well as professionally. Her love and passion for Christ began when she accepted Christ in her youth and attended Carter Chapel CME Church. As an adult, she became a devoted member of White Lily Baptist Church, where she was a Deaconess, dedicated choir member and president, participated in church plays, taught Sunday School, and served on various ministries over the years. She worked multiple jobs until landing her dream job at the Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh. There, she worked with adults with disabilities, teaching them everyday skills to ensure they were self-sufficient in society. She remained there until her retirement in September 1993. Outside of work and church, Nina was an avid league and tournament bowler. It was always a family goal to beat “Gram” at bowling; however, that was rarely achieved. During the summers, Nina and her husband spent time caring for their many grandchildren rather in Pittsburgh or Texas. They believed children should not spend their summers in daycare and kept them every summer, pouring love, the word of God, time, patience, and responsibility into them year after year. Some of us affectionately refer to summers as “Nina Camp.”
Upon moving to Austin, TX, in 2008, she and her husband joined the One Way Baptist Church family in Round Rock, TX. There, Nina became an active member of the Senior Fellowship Ministry.
While she was well known for her soft voice, contagious laughter, and graceful poise, she always represented God, her parents, and her family in the highest regard. She was a true matriarch, a virtuous woman, loved beyond measure and will be missed more than words can say.
Nina is preceded in death by her loving husband, Boddie B. Williams, Jr., both of her parents and eight siblings. She leaves behind two siblings, Robert Simpson and Emma Simpson of Pittsburgh, PA. She also leaves her beloved children, Leonard Stevenson (Michelle) of Round Rock, TX, James E. Williams (Eileen) of Forney, TX, Diane C. Holland (Harold) of Pflugerville, TX, and Nancy P. Little (Howard) of Round Rock, Texas, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter, Emerald Rose, born 2 days after her death.
