Edris Williams

Sister Edris Stephens Williams was born August 16, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA to Lorraine Sparks, she was adopted by Joe L. & Lucile C. Stephens. She accepted the Lord at an early age at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Sarasota, FL.

Edris graduated from Riverview High School Sarasota, Florida in 1974, she graduated from the University of Florida Gainesville in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She received a Bachelor of Ministry degree from GMOR, Houston, TX and a Bachelor degree in Religious Education from the Florida Theological Seminary, Lakeland FL.

She joined First Macedonia under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Carl F. Brooks in 1979 where she attended faithfully. She served in numerous ca-pacities, as Administrative Assistant, Secretary of Finance, Curriculum Director, Director of Macedonia Human Services, Directress of Youth &Children Ministry, Director of Writing Team, a member of the Mass Choir, a teacher and workshop facilitator. She held offices in the Junior Women Ministry, Women Immediate Auxiliary and Women's Ministry. Edris also served faithfully in the Mount Pilgrim District Association, Congress #5, Progressive M & E State Convention and the National Baptist Convention of America.

Sister Williams was employed by Lee County and Charlotte County Schools as a teacher for 33 years. After retirement she worked as Director of Macedonia Human Services and oversaw the Child Care and After School Tutoring Program. She also worked for B's Auto Body as office manager.

Edris was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Joe L. & Lucile C. Stephens and her sister Marlene.

She leaves her loving sons: D'Maurio, Edrick V. (Sarah) and their sons Edrick & Marcus; and Quinton M. (Shauna) and their sons Christian & Malachi Williams; biological mother Lorraine Sparks, Sisters: Debra (Willie) Emerson, Ann (William) Davis, Lisa, Shantell and Peace'Shay Sparks; Brothers: Jerome (Patricia), Kenneth, Ein, Henry, Joab (Tyane) & Isaiah Sparks and a host of nieces, nephews, God-children, special friends and acquaintances.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the home-going of our beloved sister, Edris Williams. Home-going services will be Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 11am. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda, 459 Gill Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that you send a donation in honor of Edris to her beloved church, First Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 411 E. Charlotte Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950; make donations payable to First Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.