ETHEL LEE M. WILLIAMS
Ethel Lee McKnight Williams, widow of John Williams Sr., entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, in the privacy of her home.
Ethel Lee was born on Feb. 19, 1928, in Clarendon County, to the late Joe and Inez Butler. "Momma Lee," as she was affectionately called by her family and many friends, had a kind and loving spirit and an illuminating smile. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, cooking, gardening and family gatherings. Ethel Lee was educated in the public schools of Sumter County. She worked as a head cook for Cole's Restaurant for 39 years. Ethel Lee's religious experience began during her childhood. She was reared in a Christian environment. She was a lifelong member of Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church. She served on the senior citizens and senior missionary ministries.
The light of this beloved person will shine through her three loving daughters, Betty (Herbert) Gardner Sr. of Bossier City, Louisiana, and Bessie Williams and Mary Ann (Jerry) Hunt, both of Sumter; two wonderful sons, John Williams Jr. and Velt "Lionel" (Pamela) Williams, both of Sumter; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-grandson; three sisters, Sarah Haygood, Ella Chestnut and Mary Irving, all of Baltimore; one sister-in-law, Rosa Stokes of Baltimore; a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her a son, Roy "Tony" Anthony Williams; and a brother, Willie Stokes.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Nate Brock officiating, assisting will be Minster Gerald Richardson, the Rev. Eugene Winn, the Rev. Wiliam Dukes and the Rev. Marvis Stewart. Burial will follow in Mulberry Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Williams will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. for viewing until the hour of service.
Public viewing will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Sumter Funeral Service Inc.
The family is receiving friends at the home, 41 Webb Ave.
The staff of Sumter Funeral Service Inc. is in charge of arrangements.