Mabel Williams

Mabel L. (Brooks) Williams, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and tireless advocate, peacefully entered the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, at the distinguished age of 92 years old on January 4, 2025.

Born on January 21, 1932 in Ankneytown, OH, Mabel lived a life marked by her unwavering faith, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to social change. Baptized at the age of 12 years old, she shared the love of Jesus with everyone she encountered. Always offering a listening ear, a helping hand, and prayers of encouragement. 

She faithfully attended church and was a member of both Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where she served in various ministries, such as the Usher board, Sunday school, and the Prayer ministry. Whether it was being a fierce prayer warrior, or simply sharing the gospel with others, Mabel did her best to ensure that her life reflected the grace and love she had received as a believer in Christ.

From her childhood, Mabel often recounted Biblical lessons and credited those teachings for her understanding of the importance of standing up for those who were marginalized and often ignored. Mabel deeply believed in the importance of community, education and the power in grassroots efforts. To this end she was actively involved as a volunteer and member of various civic organizations such as the NAACP, League of Women Voters, the YWCA, Community Action Program, and the Ohio District Area Agency on Aging (AAA). 

She spent much of her life championing dignity for all and was a constant presence in efforts to challenge systemic racism & inequities, especially racial and the rights of older adults. Some notable initiatives to her credit are affordable housing for residents displaced from “The Company Line” neighborhood in the 1970s, the renaming of the Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center, after Mansfield’s first elected African American city council member and the improvement of the “Meals on Wheels” program for senior citizens in Richland & Knox counties; in addition to numerous voter registration drives and Democratic local and State candidate campaigns. 

Beyond her volunteerism, Mabel’s advocacy extended to her employment as an educator and human services professional. She served as substitute teacher & Special Education Specialist at Mansfield City Schools (Malabar Middle School) and as a social worker at the Community Action Program and the YWCA, Senior Citizen Program. 

Mabel believed in the importance of respecting and uplifting youth & older generations, working tirelessly to ensure they received the care, attention, and respect they deserved. Her work, volunteerism and advocacy helped pave the way for initiatives that improved the lives of countless families, seniors, students and communities she uplifted. She will be remembered not only for her fierce advocacy, but for the guidance, love and support she shared with all who knew her.

Mabel is survived by her beloved sons: Gregory (Sandra) Ward and Michael Wilkins; 8 grandchildren: Justin (Teresa) Rooks, Sabra Johnson, Franceen (Frankie, Jr.) Edwards, Jamar (Tara) Ward, Amber Bradford, Jasmin (James) Vincent, Taylor Jackson, Terrence (Shavonne) Feagin; 19 great-grandchildren; nieces, Linda Davidson and Sabrina King and many other cherished family members and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, James & Mary “Rosie” Ward; husband, Jesse Williams; sons, Scott Brooks and Frank Wilkins; sisters, Lucilia Butler and Barbara King; and nephew, John Soloman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, an organization close to the family’s heart for the work that continues research, care and support for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia. 

Mabel’s love for Christ and her family will continue to inspire and guide us all. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23