Rebecca Avent Williams

Obituary For Rebecca Avent Williams

On Tuesday, August 6, 2019, Gods angel came and quietly slipped beneath his wings our dearly beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Rebecca Avent Williams.

She was born in Durham, NC on May 28, 1943 to the late Luther and Mary Avent, and was the sister of the late Phillip Lee Avent.

Rebecca joined Mt. Vernon Baptist Church at an early age and later in her life, she transferred her membership to First Calvary Baptist Church where she attended faithfully and enjoyed hearing Pastor Davis sing and preach.

Rebecca was educated in Durham Public Schools and graduated from Hillside High School, home of her beloved Hornets, in 1961. She also attended North Carolina Central University majoring in Accounting.

In 1963, Rebecca moved to Brooklyn, New York and began her working career. After departing New York and returning to Durham, Rebecca moved to Barstow, California for three years. Once again returning to North Carolina, she began her career with the state of North Carolina in 1973 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before retiring in 2005 from Durham Public Schools, Rebecca also worked for the Durham County Department of Social Services and General Telephone (Verizon). Rebecca took great pride in her work and always wanted it done correct the first time. She truly believed in being ON TIME! In her office, there once was a sign that stated: I CAN PLEASE ONLY ONE PERSON AT A TIME. AND TODAY IS NOT YOURS AND TOMORROW AINT LOOKING GOOD EITHER! As we all know she would say that and continue to help in any way that she could.

Rebecca played a very intricate role in the lives of many. She was an active member in her beloved Hillside High School Class of 1961, served as Chair of the Public Relations Committee as well as the Vice Chair of the Youth Committee of The Durham Committee of The Affairs of Black People.

In her down time, she loved to cook and bake. Her cream cheese pound cake was absolutely delicious and never went to waste when she made it. Rebecca was also sports fan and truly enjoyed watching Lamar and Nikki play numerous sports while in school.

Left to cherish her memory of a life well lived are three children, Anissa Smith Nelson, Durham, NC, C. Lamar Smith, Linden, NC , and Carmen (Nikki) Nicole Williams, Durham, NC, five grandchildren, Dominique Brandon Smith, Quentin Dion Smith, Justin Emanuel Nelson, Sydni Nicole Nelson and Lamar Amir Gasque Smith. One surviving sibling, Jean Avent Johnson, Durham, NC, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.