Lillie Mae Williams

Lillie Mae Williams was blessed to eternal rest on February 27, 2025. Lillie Mae, the eldest of two daughters, was born May 15, 1932, to the late Deacon George W. and Deaconess Jane V. Webb in Arcola, North Carolina. Her diploma of graduation was from the Warren County Public Schools. Deacon Lillie Williams accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and continued to be a woman of great faith throughout her life. Lillie Mae was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Va for over sixty years and ordained as a Deacon, November 2, 2008. She greatly enjoyed reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word while also devotedly serving and participating in the church’s ministries: Deacon, Deaconess, Trustee, Louise Spruill Missionary, Sunday School, Christian Development Institute (CDI), Female Ushers #2, Christian Education, Women’s Day Ministry, and Girl Scout Leader. Even after becoming home-bound, she received Holy Communion and supported her church with Tithes and offerings. Lillie had varied interest that proved a blessing to others. Her sweet potato and coconut pies, banana pudding, pineapple cake, and chicken salad were well-known delicacies that satisfied many. She was quite the accomplished cook— homemade rolls, canning of vegetables and fruits, and the best fruit preserves. Her garden was meticulously tended -- watering and watching the planted seeds grow and flourish into vegetables. Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were her favorite television shows when not listening to the gospel music radio station or working a word-search puzzle. Most of her work career was with Roses Stores, Incorporated. With an impeccable work ethic, Lillie served as manager, of the luncheonette at the Mid-City Portsmouth store, for many years and ended her career in retail sales. She was awarded, from Roses Headquarters, for highly distinguished service and retired from the same. Mom leaves to cherish her memory, four children: Willie Williams, Sr.(Patricia), Bernadette Harmon, Jessie Ruffin, and Fred Williams,Jr.; seven grandchildren: Jernice (Richard), Willie,Jr. (Michelle), Jenae (Greg), Taisha (Diego), Dontario,Sr.(Nicole), Fredarico,Sr.(Keyaira ), Markyio, Sr.; eighteen great-grandchildren: Raichelle, Joachim, Joshua, Zoe, Willie III, Jayden, Zara, Valor, Daniyah, Dontario,Jr., DaMelo, Daniro, Fredarico,Jr., India, Kairo, MaKiah, Sha’Niya, Markyio,Jr.; a sister, Donna J. Jordan; sister-in-laws, Ruby Williams, Dorothy Holloway, and Flordia Alston; nephew, Johnny Vines; cousins, Horace Webb and Elaine Wanerum; dear and devoted sister-friend, Mrs. Trumilla Britt and her daughter Trulinda Britt; and a host of family, neighbors, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Michael A. Jordan; daughter-in-law, Markita Kimberly Staton-Williams, and son-in-love, Ray Harmon. MaMae (Granny) was resourceful and dedicated to her family as she disciplined and loved unconditionally. Her daily life was always full with family. Deacon Lillie Mae Williams touched many lives and will be missed as much.

Lillie Mae Williams

May 15, 1932 - February 27, 2025