Lilly Mae (Samuels) Williams Obituary (1928 - 2011)

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Unity Chirstian Church, 2709 Highland Avenue, Ft. Myers, Florida 33916. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m., Friday, March 11, 2011 at Jerusalem Church of God in Christ, 2405 Ben Street, Ft. Myers, Florida 33916. A beautiful baby girl, Lilly Mae Samuels, was born on December 10, 1928 in Beaufort County, South Carolina. In the 1940's she and her husband moved their family of five children to Fort Myers, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Williams, Sr. in 1998 and their daughter, Dorothy Mae Frederick in 2002. Lilly Mae Williams attended Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church for many years before experiencing the baptism of the Holy Ghost and becoming a member of Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in 1972 under the leadership of Pastor Kinnus Paul. She was appointed "Church Mother" the head of the Women's Department and Missionary Board by Pastor Paul in 1973. She could always be found laboring in some capacity for the Lord - serving on the Pastor's Aide, Pastor's Anniversary and Budgeting Committees, and teaching in Young People Willing Worker (YPWW) and Sunday School classes. She also served as President and Vice President of Bible Band, and for the last 38 years she served as Chairwoman of Jerusalem Church of God in Christ's Monthly Women's Day. She served for many years as the President of the Bartow District Mothers' Board and faithfully attended district, state, and national meetings and conferences. Lilly Mae Williams, an extraordinary woman of God, was affectionately called "Mother" and "Ms. Lilly." She enjoyed her family, especially holiday gatherings at her home. Evident to all who came in contact with "Mother," was her compassion, good heart, helping hand, and her generous giving spirit. She had a beautiful sweet spirit, fed the hungry, and visited the sick. Mother was a leader who taught by example. She was often heard saying or singing "ninety-nine and a half won't do. I'm trying to make a 100 ya'll." For 82 years the Lord followed her home, and on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 after making her 100 God called and said, "Mother Lilly Mae Samuels Williams, it is time for you to follow Me home." She leaves to cherish her memory four sons, James Williams, Jr. (Christine), John Williams (Ruby), Leroy Williams, Sr. (Jacqualin), Lee Andrew Williams (Mae Florence), and one other son, Jerome Powell (SC); seven sisters, Clara Allen (SC), Evelina Jenkins (SC), Gladys Fields (SC), Jesteen Dunbar (SC), Hattie Mae Davis (SC), Florence Green (SC), and Jeraldine Haygood (SC); three brothers, Willie Haygood (SC), Leon Haygood (SC), and Nathaniel Haygood (SC); one sister-in-law, Burlease Wilson; four brothers-in-law, Johnny Williams, Jr. (SC), Boston Williams, Paul Williams (Geraldine), and Thomas Williams; a special granddaughter, Sheryl Frederick Goddard (Daniel); a beloved great granddaughter, Kaziah Burnley Vargas (Angel); a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, church family, and friends; two god children, Doris James Weaver, and Tonya Copeland; one extended daughter, Diane Cummings; one extended son, Errol Cummings; and one special and best friend, Mother Laura Curry.