MRS. ETHEL MAE WILLIAMS

Mother Ethel Mae Williams “Florida Mae” Mother Ethel Mae Williams was born on December 6, 1943, to the union of Frank Thornton and Exlena (Thornton) Brown (both of whom preceded her in death) in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Mother Williams attended a vo-tech college and secured her CNA license. Afterward, in 1985, she was employed with Hancock Home Health, Inc., until her retirement in 2013. Mother Williams signed a contract with Jesus in 1952, and she gave him her Best Praise until her demise. In 1953, she moved to Tallulah, Louisiana, along with her mom, where she attended school at Thomastown. In 1959, she became a member of First Colored Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor E. E. Tutt. She remained a FAITHFUL member, serving as a choir member, and later, a Mother of the church, under Pastor L. H. Harris, Pastor Roosevelt England, and present pastor, Pastor Gerald Williams. Mother Williams also served as VBS Director and Youth Sponsor, as well as on the Culinary Committee and Beautification Committee, all until God moved her to her new home. Mother Williams’ move to Tallulah with her mother was a great one, for in her latter years, she met and married Henry J. Williams. To this union, seventeen children were inherited and conceived together. She was married to Pastor Henry Williams for 55 years and 15 days to the day of her passing. Mother Williams is preceded in death by her sons, Baby James Darren and Pastor James Bobo Williams, her daughter, Angelena Williams-Barber, her sister, Dorothy Clark, her sisters-in-law, Anna Washington and Bernice Williams, her grandson, Jason A. Thornton and her brother-in-law, Pastor Abe Williams, Jr. Mother Williams’ cherished memories are left behind and will be forever remembered by her husband of 55 years, Pastor Henry James Williams; five daughters, Juanita Thornton, Renee Fountain (Charles), Stacy Henton (Calvin) of Tallulah, LA, Donna Thornton (Michael) of Las Vegas, NV, and Kimberly Matthews (Wilson) of Lake Providence, LA; four sons, Douglas Thornton of Baton Rouge, LA, Pastor Gerald Williams (Sandra), Dexter Williams (Kimberly) and Henry Boykins of Tallulah, LA; one granddaughter whom she raised, Shumyel Washington (Ronnie, Jr.) of Tallulah, LA; two sisters-in-law, Alma Kendrick and Dorothy Davis (Ray); one godsister, Charley Jones (Willie) of Tallulah, LA; three godchildren, Barbara Fair of Las Vegas, NV, Tory Fletcher of Tallulah, LA and Dr. Orlandis Wells of Henderson, Nevada; 33 grands and 46 great-grands; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. 

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