Detricia Diane Williams

Detrica Diane Williams, beloved mother, fiancé, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024, at the age of 56. Born on August 2, 1967 to Joseph and Addie Ford in Monroe, Louisiana.

Detrica gave her life to Christ in August of 1976 where she became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. She graduated from Saginaw High School class of 1985, where she made lifelong friends and excelled academically. Her passion for learning continued at Oakland University where she majored in business. She was a member of the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A devoted mother to her son, Joseph Jones, Detrica poured her heart into nurturing and guiding him. Her love and care extended beyond her family to the many children she cared for as the owner of DeeDee’s Tiny Tots University in California. Her daycare was not just a business, but a sanctuary where children felt loved and parents felt at ease.

In addition to her daycare, Detrica held other jobs throughout her life including Abbott Labs, Amazon and ACE Hardware. Her strong work ethic and dedication were apparent in every role she took on, leaving a lasting impact on her colleagues and community.

Detrica's life was marked by two marriages, Wyatt Jones & Larry Williams, each bringing unique experiences and growth. Her union with Larry Williams transformed her life into a blended family, adding three cherished daughters: Brittany, Alexis, and Ayanna. In recent years, she found love again and was joyfully engaged to her fiancé, James Carter. Together, they shared dreams of a future filled with happiness, traveling and companionship.

Detrica was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Ford, whose memory she held dear and whose values she strived to uphold in her own life; paternal grandparents, Henry & Jimmie Ford; and maternal grandparents, Jesse & Izola Washington.

She is survived by her son, Joseph Jones; fiancé, James Carter; mother, Addie Ford; sister, Delores (Stanley) Whitmore; and brothers; Jimmy Ford Sr. and Cedric Ford. Detrica was a cherished aunt to her nieces, Erica (Derron) Turner, and Treycie Ford; nephews, Diontae Ford, Jimmy Ford Jr. and Trey (Tasha) Ford. She also played the role of a loving grandmother to Jadyn Erin Jones, who held a special place in her heart. Her life was enriched by the presence of many friends and family but especially by; John Trice, Jafari & Patricia Baker, Tina Trice, Elizabeth Akins, Kisa Karr, Niccole Terry, Marcus Hunter, Siobhan Portis and Sayeah Mayson; special uncles, Henry “Pop” Ford Jr. & Major Washington Along with a host of family and friends.

Detrica was a beacon of love and kindness in the lives of all who knew her. Rest in peace, Detrica. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know you.

Visitation 1:00 PM and Memorial Service 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd).