Zinelle Lynne Williams

Zinelle was a woman of deep faith, boundless love, and extraordinary compassion whose life touched countless hearts. She lived with purpose, served with humility, and loved with her whole soul.

Zinelle was preceded in death by her father, Elijah Pope, Pastor of Ebeneza Baptist Church; her beloved mother, Dorothy Butler, who rests eternally in Grand Rapids, Michigan; her loving grandparents, including her cherished “Big Mama” Elizabeth Strickland, and aunt who raised her; and her beloved great-grandparents.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Reverend Tony B.Williams (Retired Master Sargeant of 23 years USMC), the love of her life and her greatest blessing. Zinelle was also a proud and loving mother to her three dogs—her “babies”—Rosie, Lacie, and Jacob. She is survived by her mother-in-law, Dianne J. Sawyer; her father-in-law, James Farmer; her sister-in-law, Jacqueline Gastons (Pastor Anthony Gastons); her brothers-in-law, Leroy Copeland, Leron Copeland, and Epherine Williams (Jasmine Williams); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who loved Zinelle deeply.

Zinelle completed Catholic high school in Grand Rapids, Michigan and went on to earn her four-plus-year degree in political science from the City University of New York in Brooklyn, New York. Her education became a foundation for a life dedicated to service and advocacy.

After college, she joined the Marine Corps and completed 3 years of service followed by an honorable discharge and earned a good conduct medal.

God worked powerfully through Zinelle to help hurting women and families in need of healing and hope. Wherever life took her, she served as a youth minister and choir director for several churches. She was a Junior Police Cadet for the Pensacola Police Department and worked in Arizona’s Drug and Alcohol Resistance programs, supporting individuals seeking recovery. During her time in the military, she worked as an administrative clerk for the United States Army Veterinarian services. Zinelle also served as a substitute teacher. A woman of many talents, she was well traveled and left her mark everywhere she went, touching the hearts of every person she encountered.

Zinelle had a vibrant spirit and a love for life. She loved singing gospel music and hymns, dancing, photography, and spending time by the ocean. She cherished her friends, enjoyed fishing—even when Tony playfully stole the bait from her hook—and loved basketball, swimming, boxing, car racing, horse racing, long walks, beach days, traveling, and shopping (Tony always carried Zinelle's purse around while she browsed the shops, and he happily did so with dignity and a smile on his face).

Above all, Zinelle will be remembered as the best wife Tony could have ever asked for. She was incredibly giving, generous, and selfless. Though she longed to be a mother, God had other plans, and instead she became a motherly figure to many whose lives she touched. Zinelle was a praying woman who walked by faith. Through life’s hardships and pain, her faith never wavered. Her kindness, compassion, ability to listen, and unwavering love became a saving grace for Tony and many others during moments when they felt like giving up.

She stood beside her loved ones, fighting their battles with them as they pursued God’s plan. Tony cherished her embrace and treasured simply being by her side every day. He loved protecting her, providing for her, and never letting her face life alone. They shared scripture, laughter, and countless precious moments. He loved her smile when he told jokes and her playful spirit—especially the time she surprised him by tossing a cold cup of ice into the shower. All he could do was laugh; she truly got him good. Zinelle was fun-loving, his best friend, and the one who fulfilled his heart and soul so completely that he felt he needed no one else.

Zinelle encouraged Tony to share his wisdom with those he meets. Her life was centered on serving God and putting Him first. God blessed her so she could be a ministry to her community and to the world.

“Thank you, Jesus, for giving me a woman blessed and anointed by Thee and for having the most beautiful, loving heart.” — Tony

Zinelle’s impact will remain forever etched in our hearts. She will live on through the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the faith she so faithfully walked in. Rest in peace, Zinelle. You are loved forever.

A Visitation and Fellowship will be held on February 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Sunset North Funeral Home, located at 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232.

A Celebration of Life will also take place on February 11, 2026, from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm at the same venue.

The Committal Service with Military Honors is scheduled for February 11, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:20 pm at an external service location, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.