Lillie Mary Williams-Neal

Lillie Mary Williams Neal age 95. Sunrise, August 8, 1928, in Johnson City, Alabama and Sunset, July 15, 2024, in Irvine, California. Lillie was born to Ethel Williams and Andrew Martin. Her journey began in Johnson City, Alabama as an only child. Due to circumstances at that time, her father had to seek employment outside of Johnson City and she was left to care for her ailing mother. After years of caring for her ill mother, Lillie moved to Gary (Filbert)WV with extended family and attended public schools in McDowell County, WV.

She began her career as a cook for U.S. Steele, did various jobs as a housekeeper as well as caring for others. She met and married Zack Williams Jr. in 1948 and added to her full-time career as a wife, mother, and homemaker. Their home became the focal point in the community as she became a mentor, confidant, and friend to many. Religion and Education were vital components of the foundation from which she built her household.

Lillie was a devoted Christian and served various churches and many capacities over the years. Her priorities were to ensure all her children graduated from school, chose a respectable career path and had their own relationship with Christ. Lillie also loved to read, do crossword puzzles, sew and most of all traveling. One of her greatest memories was witnessing Barak Obama become the 1st African American President of the United States. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Williams and Andrew Martin, Husband Zack Williams Jr., daughter Darnetris Williams and six sons Sylvester, Roger, Samuel, Clifford, Clarence, and Theoples. Left to cherish her memory sons, Michael L. (Rolanda) Williams of Georgia, Anthony K. (Daniela) Williams of Ohio, Kenneth R. Williams of Germany, James D. Williams of California; daughters, Ramona Boston of Ohio, Cheryl P. Williams of Ohio, Juanita Williams-Smith of Alabama, Delores M. Williams-Blair of California and (Shirley Williams of Georgia); In addition to 35 Grandchildren, 38 Great-Great Grand Children, and 11 Great-Great-Great Grand Children. Many extended family members and lifelong friends.