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Obituary For Elizabeth "Libby" Williams
Elizabeth Ann Keys Williams, our beloved Brown Family and Tarr Family matriarch breathed her last earthly breath on March 10, 2026. She is the only daughter of the late James Albert Keys and the late Elizabeth Mae (Brown) Keys born in the family home in Steelton, Pennsylvania.
She grew up in a loving home with three brothers and attended the historic African American Hygienic School. She graduated in 1951 from Steelton High School. Inspired by her Aunt Helen Brown James, Libby attended the Mercy-Douglass Hospital School of Nursing, the first training school for Black nurses in Philadelphia, graduating in 1954.
Elizabeth began her career at the Women’s Hospital in Philadelphia as a medical-surgical Staff Nurse. A few months later she gained employment as a Staff Nurse then Supervisor at the Philadelphia State Hospital.
Her high school sweetheart Paul insisted that Libby move back to Steelton. They married in June 1955 at Mount Zion Baptist Church. For over 38 beautiful years, they built a life grounded in enduring love and mutual respect.
Elizabeth first secured employment as a Staff Nurse with the Harrisburg State Hospital. Over the next several years she worked as a Staff Nurse at Osteopathic Hospital and Holy Spirit Hospital. She found her niche as a Psychiatric Nurse working in the Mental Health field for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. She served as Superintendent for Somerset State Hospital, Eastern State Hospital and finally the Danville State Hospital, retiring in 1994.
Having a desire to further her education, Libby graduated in 1977 from Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor of Nursing and in 1982 from Temple University with a Master of Science in Education.
Nurtured from an early age at Mount Zion Baptist Church, she sang in several choirs and served on the Who-So-Ever Club. She later joined Camp Curtin Memorial-Mitchell United Methodist Church enjoying singing with the Gospel Choir and working in the community Soup Kitchen. As her health allowed, she attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with her daughter, Marian.
Elizabeth was a proud and passionate voice for African American women and health care in her community. Serving as the President for the Mercy-Douglass Alumnae Association she collaborated with the Philadelphia Foundation to provide valuable grants and scholarships for deserving students. She also found deep friendship and sisterhood in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Harrisburg Alumnae Chapter (motivated by founding Soror, Aunt Charlotte Brown Stewart), Harrisburg Chapters of Omnia Bona, Inc, Just Good Friends and Pinochle Bugs.
One of her greatest passions was spending time on the beaches of the Eastern Seaboard with her family. The cars and vans were always full of kids headed to South Carolina and Virginia. Libby found joy and happiness tending the needs of her grandsons, never missing a significant moment or event.
She rooted for the Penn State Nittany Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. And faithfully played the Pennsylvania Lottery traveling with brother Richard to the end of the rainbow seeking treasure.
Her German Chocolate and Pound Cakes were often requested family favorites, especially during Sunday family dinner and the holidays.
In addition to her parents and husband, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her daughter, Portia Vanessa Williams Allen; her brothers, James Gilbert Keys and Richard Leroy Keys and son-in-law, Hugh Glover Crosson.
Elizabeth leaves to trumpet her legacy, her daughter in love, Paula Marie Holmes Cox (James) of Deltona, Florida, Marian Elizabeth Williams Crosson, Nancy Portland Lee Williams, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; grandsons, Troe Jernelle Cox of Lake Mary, Florida, Rob Omar Allen (Ramona) of Raleigh, North Carolina, Paul Ramsey Williams, Ronald Dawson Allen, both of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Samuel Isaac James Allen of Severn, Maryland; one great granddaughter, Ladawn Antoinette Dodson of Deland, Florida; one great-great grandson, Isaiah Lee Neely of Deland, Florida; son-in-law, Ronald Reginald Allen of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; brother, Albert Sinclair Keys (Dolores) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; sisters-in-law, Cathryn Lucille Edward Williams Irvis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maxillee Williams of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Eleanor Keys of Phoenix, Arizona; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and cherished friends.
Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026 in the Sanctuary of Living Water Community Church, 206 Oakleigh Avenue, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Churchville Cemetery.
Please consider a memorial donation in Elizabeth’s name to PA Capital Region Nurse Honor Guard, www.pacrnursehonorguard.org.
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Sharon A Woodward sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Elizabeth "Libby" Williams - March 19, 2026
Ruth Lynn Wynn sent Sympathy Spray for Elizabeth "Libby" Williams - March 17, 2026
To the family I am so sorry for your loss and I loved hearing her sing Christ Is All during worship service
Libby volunteered at the CCMMUMC Soup Kitchen when she was available. She was always so nice & pleasant to our guests that came to eat & talked to them about their health. She was wonderful to be around & a lovely voice. We had lots of fun singing on the Gospel Choir. Libby was always willing to help, wherever she was needed. Marian & Nancy you have Good Memories to Remember
To Marian,Nancy to the Entire family.Wishing you Love & Peace to face the days ahead & Loving memories to hold in your heart ❤️ 🙏🏽She will be sadly missed 💔 😢 Love you all🙏🏽
My thoughts and prayers are with the family continue to look to the hills from whench cometh your help🙏🏾❤️
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I have so many outstanding memories of living in Harrisburg ; the greatest being your including me in your family . I'll always remember our wonderful conversations , and you sharing your wisdom and all your love . Always blessing me and including me in your " Great Sunday Dinners Family ; and if I didn't show up , you'd ask Ronnie " where's Fish , go and get him ! I Miss And Love You Miss Libby !
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I'll always love you. I'll always be grateful for you. ❤️. You are my world.
What i remember most about Libby was her kindness that felt spiritual. Always positive.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to you Marian and Nancy. I remember your mother to be the sweetest person. I will be praying for all of the family. God will bring you through this storm.
I always admired Ms. Libby, a sweet lady and a respected professional nurse and a woman who supported the community in helping those less fortunate. Her smile was unforgettable and sincere. My deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Williams family, Keys family, Brown family and friends. Sending prayers of comfort and my deepest sympathy.
Very sadden to see the passing of Ms. Libby. I was thinking of her a few days ago. I Had the pleasure of meeting her through my Mother In law and also found out she went to school with my mother. We also attended Tax school together. Such a Beautiful warm lady. My condolences and prayers to her family and friends. Rest In The Lords Peace Ms. Libby.
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So sorry for your loss and my condolences and prayers to Libby's family and friends. Libby was such a joy! We met at the Friendship Senior Center and became fast friends playing pinochle. Libby invited me to join the Pinochle Bugs and we had so much fun at the pinochle gatherings. Libby will be missed. Hold onto all of the great memories and fun times.
My condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss
Sincere condolences and heartfelt gratitude for Libby's faithful service to the nursing profession. Respectfully, PA Capitol Region Nurse Honor Guard
Sending my SINCERE CONDOLENCES to the family, rest in Heavenly Peace my friend, you will be missed.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
