Versie Lee Williams was born on February 7, 1931, in Hope, Arkansas, to Roosevelt and Frankie Mae McFadden. She was the second of five children and spent her formative years in Hope, where she attended Yerger Elementary and High School, graduating in 1949. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a devoted member of Mount Pleasant C.M.E. Church, also known as Two Mile Branch.
Versie met the love of her life, David (Dave) Lee Williams, while he was serving as a corporal in the United States Army. On Christmas Eve in 1951, they were united in marriage in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - a union rooted in love, faith, and partnership. Together, they were blessed with three daughters: Karen Faye, Sheila Renee, and Andrea Louise. In 2004, after 53 beautiful years of marriage, Dave preceded Versie in death, leaving behind a legacy of enduring love.
Following Dave’s honorable discharge, he relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area to prepare a new home for his young family. Versie soon joined him with their firstborn, Karen, and together they welcomed Sheila in 1954. The family later settled in East Palo Alto in 1955, where Andrea was born in 1961. In 1964, they made their home on Kavanaugh Drive—a home filled with love, laughter, and generations of cherished memories—where Versie would remain for the rest of her life.
Versie lived a life anchored in service to God. She was a dedicated member of Stewart Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Redwood City, CA, where she worshipped and served faithfully for over 60 years. Her devotion was reflected through her many roles as Class Leader, Home Mission Worker, Choir Member, Missionary Society Member, and ordained Deaconess for more than 50 years.
Her spirit of service extended into her professional life. Alongside her sister VEsser Davis, she attended San Mateo Junior College and, in 1962, earned her certification as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Versie devoted over 30 years to caring for others at Chope Community Hospital before retiring in 1989.
Affectionately known as “Granny,” “Lee,” or “Aunt Lee,” Versie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She was the heart of her family and found her greatest joy in time spent with loved ones—cooking alongside her father, “Daddy Bell,” enjoying weekend shopping trips with her sisters, nieces, daughters, and grandchildren, and browsing rummage sales with her parents. She expressed her love through her baking, delighting family and friends with her famous lemon cake, sweet potato pie, and pecan pie. Versie also cherished collecting beautiful treasures, including Barbie dolls with her sister Mary and niece Frankie, and All God’s Children figurines, which she collected with her sister Mary. In quieter moments, she found comfort in completing puzzles and sharing long, heartfelt conversations with her three sisters.
Versie and Dave were one of the founding families of the Bay Area Chapter of the United Camper Club, where their love of RVing, fishing, and fellowship created lasting friendships that spanned over 50 years.
Versie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dave; her parents, Roosevelt and Frankie McFadden; grandson D’Andre Stamper; siblings Vesser Davis, Vearnard McFadden, and Bette Jean Reed; sisters-in-law Adlena Williams, Frances Jeffries, and Minnie Dee Tempson; brothers-in-law Cecil Davis, Floyd Armstrong, Henry Reed, Medell Williams, Sr., O.C. Tempson, and Dr. Robert L. Fairley; beloved nieces Yvette, Carla, and Diana; nephews Don Allen, Clinton, Ernest, and Floyd; great-nephew Aaron Louis; great-niece Sarina, and other dear family members that each held a special place in her heart.
Versie leaves her three daughters to hold and cherish her memory: Karen Blackwell, Sheila Thomas and son-in-law Ralph Thomas, and Andrea Williams-Johnson, all residents of East Palo Alto, CA. Her love and legacy will be treasured by three granddaughters: Nicole Steward-Crooks (Kevin Crooks); Kiara Syph (Brandon Syph); and Dania Stamper; as well as six great-grandchildren: David Jackson; Janae Carter (Barry Carter); Jahkim Hendrix ; Talyah Syph and twin great-grandsons Yasaiyah and Zachariya Syph.
Versie is survived by her loving sister, Mary A. Fairley of Vallejo, CA, with whom she shared a special bond that became especially meaningful as her health declined. Mary’s Sunday visits were a source of comfort and joy for Versie.
Versie will be deeply missed by a host of nieces, nephews, great- grand nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbors, and her dearest friend Ms. Juanita Thomas whose companionship and laughter brightened her later years.
Versie moved through life with grace and a gentle spirit that brought peace and comfort to all who knew her. Grounded in faith and guided by love, her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured.
