Della Jo Williams

Della Jo Johnson Williams will be remembered as a sweet, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and teacher to many. Her beautiful smile, vivacious personality, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed. She devoted her life to family, friends, and her passion for education. She had a special place in her heart for children and she touched so many lives with her kind heart and giving spirit. Della Jo, affectionately known as "Baby Jo", was born in Leona, Texas on January 31, 1952, to the late Connie V. and Della Lee Wynn Johnson. She was the oldest of nine children. She had six sisters; Jonny Faye, Zelda, Evelyn, Lorie and Peggy, and two brothers; Johnny Ray "Ray Boy" and James Ray. Della Jo accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Two Mile United Methodist Church. While in Houston, Texas she continued her journey with Christ as a member of Windsor Village United Methodist Church and Anointed Faith Family Church. She graduated at the top of her class from Centerville High School in 1970. She attended Houston-Tillotson University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. While attending Houston-Tillotson she became a member and officer of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She later joined the graduate chapter in Houston, Texas and held various leadership positions, participating in the planning and organizing of their annual balls and fundraising events was one of her favorite activities. She also served as an advisor to the Sam Houston State University chapter in Huntsville, Texas. Later in life she received her Master of Education in Administration from Prairie View A&M University. Baby Jo taught in the Aldine Independent School District at the McArthur and Nimitz High School campuses. While in her tenure at Nimitz she was the founder of The Black History Club, started a scholarship fund, and coordinated several in school and out of school enrichment programs for her beloved students. After a fulfilled and rewarding thirty-three years, Della Jo retired from Nimitz Senior High School in May of 2011. Della Jo was united in holy matrimony for forty-five years to her loving and supporting husband, Andrew Cleve Williams. Three children Gwendolyn, Andrea and LaQuentin "Quincy" were nurtured, cherished and raised through this union. She was preceded in death by her parents; Connie V. and Della Lee, sisters; Virginia and Evelyn and brothers; Johnny Ray and James Ray. The memories of her life are honored and cherished by her husband, Andrew C. Williams, daughters, Gwendolyn Johnson, Andrea Williams Cojoe (Ryan); son, First Sergeant LaQuentin Williams; grandchildren, Jaylen Williams, Sydney Ligon, Langston Cojoe, Jaxon Cojoe; sisters, Jonny Faye Lotts, Zelda Turner, Lorie Johnson, Peggy Johnson; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family and friends.