Gardenia “Guy” Wilson Williams, born on July 12, 1940, in Lee County, South Carolina, was a spirited, loving woman known for her dedication to her family, educating children and uplifting others. She was the fourth child of the late Henry and Emma Wilson. She departed this life on Oct. 25, 2024, in Columbia, South Carolina.
Gale’s education began in the public schools of Lee County, where her love for learning blossomed. Raised in a Christian home, she joined Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Woodrow. After graduating from Dennis High School in Bishopville, Gale attended Allen University in Columbia, earning a B.A. in English and History. In 1962, she returned to Dennis High as one of the only two students to her high school as a teacher.
During the summer of 1968, after the death of her father, she visited Philadelphia. While visiting, she heard there was a shortage of English and reading teachers. She applied, and she was accepted as a teacher of Reading and Language Skills at Fitz Simons Junior and Middle Schools. Gale taught at Fitz Simons until her retirement in 1996.
When she moved to Philadelphia, she continued her Christian journey and affiliated herself with New Bethel A. M. E. Church, where she was a member of the Hostess Club for a short period and secretary of the Steward Board for nine years and a member of the Senior Choir. At New Bethel, Gale started a ministry called “Serving our Seniors.”
She leaves precious memories to be cherished by her family and many friends.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at Mt. Olive A. M. E. Church, 2738 Woodrow Road, Woodrow, with the Rev. Dr. R. L. Brown, pastor.
Burial will follow in Hillside Memorial Park, 2561 Cains Mill Road, Sumter.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dementia Society.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online messages may be sent to the family at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.
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