LaTravia Nicole Williams

With profound sadness and deep gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life of LaTravia Nicole Williams, who peacefully departed this life on July 13, 2026, at the age of 51.

Born on November 3, 1974, in Knoxville, Tennessee, LaTravia was a proud daughter of the city she always called home. She was known for her warm spirit, generous heart, infectious smile, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. Throughout her life, she cultivated relationships grounded in love, loyalty, laughter, and support.

LaTravia’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment were her children, JeTori Howard and Walter J. Howard-Williams. They were the center of her world, and her love, guidance, and devotion will remain a lasting light in their lives.

Family was at the heart of everything LaTravia did. Often described as the glue that held her family together, she brought people together with warmth, joy, and genuine hospitality. She treasured shared meals, meaningful conversations, laughter, and every opportunity to spend time with those she loved.

LaTravia attended Green Elementary School, where she was an honors student, served on the safety patrol, and excelled in track and field. It was also where she formed lifelong friendships that endured for more than forty years with Crystal Cox-Gartner, Stephanie Roberson, Tomeka Weaver, Valeria “Rosie” Williams, Steven Askew, John Cotner, and teacher Mr. Robert Mitchell. Together, they celebrated life’s milestones, supported one another through challenges, and became more like family than friends.

She graduated from Fulton High School in 1993 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from her beloved Tennessee State University in 1997. During that time, she also formed a treasured lifelong friendship with Ynetia “Pooh” Campbell.

Professionally, LaTravia built a respected career defined by dedication, compassion, and service. At the time of her passing, she was employed by ATC Driveaway, where she was admired for her strong work ethic, kindness, and encouragement of others.

One of LaTravia’s greatest gifts was preserving memories. She had a unique ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and celebrated. Rarely allowing a gathering to end without a photograph, she lovingly captured moments and shared them with family and friends. Through her camera lens, she became a historian of cherished memories that will be treasured for generations.

LaTravia was preceded in death by her mother, Deborah Bolden Henry; her father, James Bishop Stinson; her grandmother, Beulah Gray; her grandfather, Jesse DeBro, Jr.; her great-aunts, Hattie F. Carroll, Johnnie May Brown, and Mary E. Garner; her brother, Willie Williams, Jr.; and her niece, Danielle Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, JeTori Howard and Walter J. Howard-Williams; sisters, Stephanie (Fred) Winbush and Janee’ (Steven) Henry; brothers, Walter Lee (Deanna) Williams and James Watts; nieces, Waltisha, Amber, Janaysia, Sidonye, and Fredye; nephew, Dorian; great nephew James IV; aunts Linda M. Brown, Margaret Bolden, Brenda Sherfield, Jacqueline Mitchell, Dorothy Claiborne, and Yolanda Roger’s; uncles Robert Debro, Jack Bolden, Larry Bolden, Endia Puckett, Warren Puckett, and Robert Fisher; and a host of cousins, extended family members, and dear friends, including LaWann Davis, Robert Drake, Cherish Gillespie, and Brittney McAfee.

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that LaTravia’s legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, the memories she preserved, and the countless lives she touched. She taught us that life is measured not by what we possess, but by the love we share and the memories we create.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 12-1:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church 2714 Brooks Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914 where Pastor Sanford Miller will be officiating. A dove release will conclude in her honor immediately after the service at the church.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com