Eleanor Louise Williams was born in Olean, New York, to the late Peter and Geraldine Garnett. She was the eldest of three children.
She graduated from Steelton-Highspire High School in 1960. Afterward, she worked at the New Cumberland Army Depot and then at the Pennsylvania National Insurance Company. Eventually, she became employed by PHEA, from which she later retired. Additionally, she served as a chaplain assistant at UPMC.
She found joy in various activities such as crocheting, crafting, making applesauce, canning, creating baskets, and preparing care packages. An avid bowler, she participated in league competitions regularly. Additionally, she had a passion for drawing, writing poetry, and composing short stories. Gardening was another of her loves, and she was a skilled wordsmith, often providing encouraging words and mentorship to those around her. She cherished her time spent with the Old Lady Gang.
She was united in Holy Matrimony to Brother William Williams, Jr. (June).
She was a faithful and dedicated member of the Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ for over 35 years. Throughout her time there, she served as an usher and was a senior choir member. Additionally, she contributed to her local church by being part of the hospitality auxiliary and the Father’s Day Committee. A true scholar of the Word, she demonstrated her advanced knowledge of biblical texts and writings by sharing what she learned in Sunday School and Bible Band. She served on the State Hospitality Auxiliary and was also a member of the Business and Professional Women.
Eleanor displayed much love and concern for her family, friends, and others. She was sweet, caring, and kind however, she was a no non-sense woman who would “take no tea for the fever”.
She was devoted to her church, her pastor, and her brothers and sisters in Christ.
Eleanor transitioned into eternal life on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA. In addition to Eleanor’s passing, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Williams, Jr.; her son, Charles W. Dillard; her parents, Peter and Geraldine Garnett and brothers, Richard Garnett and William Garnett.
Her loving family will forever cherish Eleanor’s life and legacy. Her daughters, Tanita Garnett and Michelle Garnett, both of Harrisburg, PA, Tawana (Brian) McCraney of Columbia, S.C., Kenja (Adreece) Taylor of East Stroudsburg, PA; her stepchildren, Mustafa (Perisse) Saludhin and Eric (April) Hitchcock, all from Harrisburg, PA, Stephanie (Aundra) Wood of Fort Washington, MD, Robyn (Trent) Gott of Wilmington, DE, Rodney Wilson of Alabama, Rickey (Toya) Williams of Pittsburgh, PA; her son of the heart, Michael Lester; daughter of the heart, Wilva Smith, both of Harrisburg, PA; her grandchildren, Dujuan, David, Jr., Latisha, Michelle, Shaune’, Joseph, Imad, Tylre, DeVonn-Jaleel, Chance; her grandchildren of the heart, Quinton, Zhireonha (Ziggy); 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grand; one sister of the heart, Carol Robbins; grand-dogs, Precious 1, Precious II Garnett, Logan, Langston & Waverly Taylor.
Eleanor's life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in the Sanctuary of her church, Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, 1830 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
Always, Tymea Thompson- Budd aka Boogie
I didn't know Eleanor ; but I remember seeing her many years ago; She was always polite and had a beautiful smile! My Condolences to the family of this beautiful Lady! Another Angel has received her wings! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🦋🦋🦋
Mrs. Williams was a ray of sunshine and shared in many special family moments, including birthday celebrations with my Dear Mother. Now they can celebrate together on the other side til we see them again. I will miss her beautiful smile and sweet spirit on my future trips to Harrisburg. My prayers of peace to her children and family.
I am sending my condolences and sincere sympathy to the family of Mrs Eleanore William's.
Love from Bernice McClure and Family
MY Sincere Condolences 💐 to the FAMILY🙏🏽 of My FRIEND❣️Sister Eleanor WILLIAMS. **D.K. Taylor, Philadelphia PA.
My deepest condolences to you Tanita and your siblings. Eleanor was my supervisor at the Navy Depot in Mechanicsburg and we became great friends bowling together. We went to all the bowling tournaments in our prime. She was the most caring person I ever meant and she always made you laugh. She always had a smile on her face, no matter what she went through and she went through some difficult time. She always had an encouraging words for everyone. That is why she made a beautiful supervisor. Tanita she love you so very much and always worry about you. We talked about you every time we would run into each other. The last time I talked with her we discuss her kidney problem and you Ms. Tanita. Going to miss her so very much. Thank you Ms. Eleanor for being a friend to me. Her smile will be greatly missed. May God bless and keep the family.
To Tanita and family. She is an amazing Mother and friend. Not going to look over and see her going to her seat in the church. RIP Sister Eleanor
Sending prayers, peace and strength.
Ms. Eleanor was such a beautiful lady. I met her and PHEAA and we had a lot of great laughs and talks. She was so loving and caring to everyone that she met. I always think of her when I would ride pass her old house. She always had a listening ear. I loved her for just being the same all the time.
Sending my love and prayers to the family at this difficult time.From Dessie Lee
I'm at loss for words right now I had just spoken to her a few days before she passed.Eleanor was a true friend to me and my family doing whatever she could to help out.when told Eleanor & Tanita they are not friends to us they are family and nothing is going to change that.My deepest sympathies to everyone at this difficult time.Love Connie
We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family of this precious woman of God; to her church family, her extended family and all who loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed us all. God is making up His jewels and when He added mother Eleanor Williams He added a jewel indeed. Elder & Mrs. C. G. Henderson
I pray that you all have Aaron's peace with the home going of your loved one, whose soul I also pray is nestled in the arms of the creator of all.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms.Eleanor years ago through her daughter Kenja who become part of our family by marriage. She was always very gracious and loving. We were always greeted with open arms and her big beautiful smile. I loved listening to her tell stories, her last story by far the best! I'll remember it always. You will be greatly missed. Rest with God...You are home now!
May God bless and keep the family!
Mother Eleanor I first met you at Pheasant, and then when I started attending church. You were a beautiful person, and talented knew the Word. I will miss you much. Thank you for being a friend. Much love, no more pain.
I have known Eleanor all my natural life. She grew up in Steelton with my Mother and she will surely be missed by all. I will miss her smile and encouraging words. Rest in the arms of Jesus. I will see you again on the other side. Love you and I will never forget you. To the family I will be praying for you and give you strength.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Stay strong and remember the Lord is with you during this time. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 31:8
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