Annie Williams

Funeral services for Annie Williams, 87, who died February 6, were held February 14 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Newborn with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Vincent Casey officiated.

Mrs. Williams was born May 20, 1926 to the late Will Rainey and Sally Childs in Putnam County. Her mother died shortly after giving birth to her, and her father later married Clara Jefferies, who helped raised Annie and her siblings.

Mrs. Williams was affectionately known to many including non-relatives as Mother Williams also “Grandma Annie,” “Granny,” and “Aunt Annie.”

She married the late Deacon L.Z. Williams, Jr. on March 30, 1945. They were married 65 years prior to his death. The couple had five children, two of which preceded her in death, Eddie Williams and Hubert Williams, Sr.

Mrs. Williams was a pillar of Pleasant Grove Church serving as a chairperson of the Mother Board, Usher Board, and choir. She was well-known and well-respected throughout the community as an African-American woman. She devoted her life to being a loving wife and caring mother and homemaker.

Survivors include three children, Jimmie, Charlie Sr., and Shirley; two sisters, Arlene and Sara; brother, Leroy Rainer; three daughters-in-law, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Claudette; one son-in-law, Michael; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; adopted daughter, Donna Chestnut; close friend and neighbor, John Dent; and a number of other relatives and friends.