Violet M. Williams

Born in North Carolina to the late Woodrow and Viola McLendon, Violet was the eldest daughter. She was a loving sister to Ollie Vera Guine (deceased), Barbara Ann McLendon, Eddie Smith, and Lillie Robinson (deceased).

A bright and determined student, Violet graduated from Kingville High School at just 16 years old. In the 1950s, she made the bold move to Los Angeles, California, with beloved family members the late Garfield and Mary Robinson, where she began building a full and vibrant life. This led to sisters, Ollie Vera and Barbara Ann joining her in California..

She married the late Bernard Williams (later divorced), and from this union two children were born—her greatest joys.

Violet’s professional life was as varied as it was accomplished. One of her earliest jobs was as a switchboard operator at the local YWCA. In the late 1950s, she briefly pursued professional modeling. She went on to work for many years as a medical secretary at the VA Hospital in San Pedro, California, and later as a secretary for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.

Beyond her work, Violet was known for her many passions and unique gifts. She had impeccable penmanship and a vast vocabulary, both of which reflected her lifelong love of words. She enjoyed Scrabble, word search puzzles, and receiving cards of every kind. Her kitchen was filled with creativity—she delighted in trying new recipes, baking her famous lemon meringue pie, and bringing zucchini bread to potlucks. She also mastered the art of jam-making, crafting everything from plum preserves to sugar-free apple butter.

In 2001, Violet relocated from Compton to San Jose, becoming one of the first residents of Villagio Senior Apartments. She quickly embraced her role as the community’s unofficial “social director,” coordinating celebrations, ensuring neighbors received birthday cards, and infusing joy wherever she could.

Those who knew her best describe her as “sassy—in the best way.” She loved bingo, the Daily Three Lotto, scratch-offs, and her favorite candies, Reese’s peanut butter cups and peppermints. She could often be found with her signature red lipstick and a touch of her favorite color—violet. Among her favorite comforts were buttermilk with cornbread, and the laughter of family and friends gathered around her.

Of all her titles, the one she cherished most was “Nana.” She embraced it wholeheartedly, showering her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with love, wisdom, and humor.

Violet lived a long, rich, and colorful life. She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments, but for the warmth she extended, the joy she created, and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

She is survived by Daughter: Antoinette Battiste (Vernol), Siblings: Barbara McLendon and Eddie Smith Jr., Grandchildren: Stephanos Williams, Bernard Williams, Madisen Robinson (Matthew), Larre’ Williams (Denise), Henri Battiste (Lauren), Joelle Williams; Great Grandchildren: Renee, Annette, Le’Raleigh, Michael; Niece: Naita Guine; Great-Niece: Nia Guine-Herndon, Great-Nephew: Lavance Ray Coley, and a host of other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Woodrow and Viola McLendon, son Larre’ B. Williams, and sisters Ollie Guine and Lillie Robinson.

A Memorial Service for Violet will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose, CA 95125.

In lieu of flowers we kindly ask contributions may be made to YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley (www.yourywca.org) 375 S. Third Street, San Jose, CA 95112 or to KQED PBS (www.kqed.org) P.O. Box 60585, City of Industry, CA 91716-0585, "In Violet's Memory."