Grace Brantley Williams

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Grace Brantley Williams was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi on September 15, 1942, to the late Claude Sr. and Jimmie D. Brantley. She was raised in a large family with her loving parents and twelve siblings.

Grace was educated in the Kosciusko Mississippi Public Schools. As a student at Tipton Street High School, she was involved in many clubs and activities that she enjoyed with her friends. One she was most passionate about was being a part of the girl’s basketball team. She was known as “Big 20” and was a dominant force on offense and defense. She loved the game and was a lifelong fan of the sport.

After graduating from high school in 1960, Grace moved to Chicago, Illinois. It was here that many important events in her life would happen. After leaving her home church at Christian Liberty Baptist Church in Kosciusko, Grace attended many churches in Chicago before finding a home at Community Covenant Church, where she would serve for over 30 years. She worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier in Chicago until she met the love of her life, James Leroy Williams. They were married for over 50 years and raised three beautiful children, Felecia, Phillip, and Jennifer.

At Community Covenant Church, she served in various ministries including the church choir, Covenant Women’s Ministry, and the Trustee Board. Grace was a lifelong spiritual learner and was a regular attendee at bible studies and participant in additional bible courses offered through the church ministry. She stood strong in her Christian faith and shared it with everyone. A true prayer warrior, Grace was always lifting someone up in prayer whether it be a detailed prayer or simply saying, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Her prayers and faith in God are the backbone of her family and have sustained them for many years. She planted seeds of faith in her family and friends that will continue to inspire future generations.

Grace was a fiercely dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother, friend, and confidant. She was a cheerleader and support for so many. From little league to professional sports, including her beloved Chicago teams, she was always there to support family and loved ones at their games. Whether bundled up at a football game in Iowa or sitting in an arena for a basketball game in Indiana, Grace enjoyed the spirit of competition and cheered loudly at every event. This positive energy was given to all she loved in other areas as well, from birthdays and graduations to marriages and new babies.

Grace was the epitome of a homemaker. Her actions and words were based on an unconditional love for God and people. She loved cooking, singing, good music, and dancing. One of her greatest joys was preparing a feast and then watching people enjoy her meal. Whether she was cooking macaroni and cheese, greens, fried fish, or a sweet potato pie, her pots were never empty. Cooking was one of the ways she expressed love.

Her favorite pastime was playing cards. She LOVED playing Bid Whist. All she needed to get a game going was three other people. If you didn’t know how to play, she would teach you on the spot, just so she could get a chance to play the game she loved. During the game you would often hear the phrases, “Five Low”, “Six No” and her favorite, “Boston!” as she played the game. As a loyal member of the No Jokers Bid Whist Club, she looked forward to the regular gathering of friendly competition and laughs.

Grace was full of life, laughter, and most of all, love. She never met a stranger. She made everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved regardless of their status in life. She appreciated people for who they were and not what they had to offer. She was called “Amazing Grace”. And she was just that…simply Amazing.

After 79 years of a wonderful life filled with love and laughter, Grace made her transition to her heavenly home on January 14, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and four brothers. Her memory will be cherished by her loving and devoted husband, James Leroy Williams; her children, Felecia Gettis of Pearland, TX, Phillip (Deborah) Williams of Bowie, MD and Jennifer Williams of Indianapolis, IN; her grandchildren, Adam (Dionna) Gettis of Pearland, TX, LaDonna Gettis of Muncie, Indiana, Quincy Williams and Spencer Williams of Bowie, MD; her great-grandson, Aidan Gettis of Pearland, TX; her sisters, Lillie George of Chicago, IL, Joyce Estes of Kosciusko, MS, Flora (Hiawatha) Harris of Oakland, CA; her brothers, Billy (Madelene) Brantley of Chicago, IL, Lawrence Brantley of Kosciusko, MS; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, god grandchildren, and other relatives and special friends.

Memorial Visitation will he held Friday, January 21, 11am until time of memorial service at 12pm. Interment will be private.

The family has requested that all attendees wear masks and be vaccinated. At their request, if you are currently ill or not vaccinated, please join the service via the livestream at link below. The livestream will begin at 11:50am on Friday, January 21. The family appreciates your understanding and cooperation.

https://www.asimplestreaming.com/gwilliams