Ladel Marie Whitmore

At the age of 15, she traveled to Portland, Oregon with her mother and twin brothers Jimmy and Johnny, to be with her father. Her younger siblings followed.

Ladel attended Girls Polytech and graduated from Cleveland High School in 1950. She aspired to be an editor but went into the nursing field instead. In 1962, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She worked at Emanuel Hospital for 32 years, retiring in 1995.

In 1955 she met her first husband, Oscar Raye Williams. Six months later they were husband and wife. Together they had six beautiful children.

Ladel was a mother, wife, and nurse, but found time to give back to her community. She was a longtime member of Maranatha Church, sang in the choir, and played the piano when needed. Ladel loved the Lord, and would tell anyone who would listen to “put your trust in Jesus, and He will never fail you.” Spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in song was her passion. She sang with her parents and sister Herise for years.

She was adventurous and loved to travel, was always ready to go. When she was home, you could find her doing a word search puzzle and watching her cowboy movies. She was an aunt and friend. She was Mom to many but “sister” to all. She loved to laugh and always had a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed. We love you sister!

She leaves to mourn her children: Raye C. Williams, Kimberlie N. Williams, Dawn D. Williams, Rodney C. Williams, Spring L. Williams, Randy C. Williams, stepdaughter Carol Carter, grandchildren Aubrey L. Williams, Jillon D. Jones, Terren D. Jones, Ashton M. Storrings, Shakeya A. Brown, Halonah J. Sweet, Trinity M. Williams, great-grandchildren Micah Williams, William J. Storrings, Aubri J. Williams, and Kendal R. Williams, and her siblings Claudell Warren, Vernel Warren, Herise Minor, Jimmy Warren, John Warren, James Warren, Ronald Warren, Donald Warren, Alice Faye Warren, Kenneth Warren, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, spiritual sons and daughters, and friends.