Violet Estelle Williams

Obituary For Violet Estelle Williams

Memorial Services, Friday, November 1, 2019 at 12:00 p.m., Brentwood Baptist Church, 13033 Landmark Street, Houston, TX 77045.

Family hour, Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Westhaven Funeral Home Chapel, 3580 Robinson Street, Jackson, MS 39209

Funeral services will be Friday, November 8, 2019 at 12:00 noon, Farish Street Baptist Church, 619 North Farish Street, Jackson, MS 39209 with burial Seymour Cemetery in Madison, MS

Violet Estelle Williams was a church worker, schoolteacher, history maker, civic leader, world traveler, family cheerleader - phenomenal woman. Born on May 18, 1931 to Perry Williams, a preacher, and Fannie Patterson Williams Sanders, a civic leader and community activist, Violet was the fourth of five children and was reared in Madison, Mississippi along with her siblings: Rev. R. L. Williams, Wilma Williams Bailey, Avis Williams, and Fillmore Williams. Her paternal grandparents were Phil and Violet Basemore Williams and maternal grandparents were Ed and Frances Patterson, who were all born enslaved in Madison, MS. Her great, great grandmother was Usly Williams, who was born enslaved in Virginia in 1825. To Violet’s family and hometown community, she was affectionately known as “Pie.” After the death of her father, Violet’s mother married Phil Sanders, who became a major part of her life. Church was always an important part of Violet’s existence. She grew up worshipping at the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, where she was baptized at an early age. She maintained her membership there serving as financial secretary and program chairperson for numerous years even after moving to Jackson. Violet also united with Farish Street Baptist Church in Jackson and was active in various organizations for more than fifty years. At Farish Street, she was a leader of the Progressive Matron’s Circle and a member of the Women’s Missionary Society. In 1996, she was named “Missionary of the Year” during the annual women’s day observance. In 2002, during the 50th women’s day observance, she was named “Woman of the Year” for her outstanding service. Violet saw no conflict in holding membership and working for God in two churches. She would often tell her friends and church members in Jackson, “Next Sunday, I am going to my home church in the country.” During her last visit to Mississippi, the Sunday before she transitioned to her heavenly home, she worshipped at Mount Pleasant, where she began her Christian journey. Growing up in the country, Violet contributed to the life of operating a family farm, which included a commercial grist mill. But, her destiny called for something more, something that would make a difference in the lives of others. Early on, education became important to her. She attended Madison Rosenwald Elementary and completed eighth grade, the highest level offered. Next, she attended the Daniel Hand/Tougaloo High School, on the campus of Tougaloo College, and graduated in 1950. Then, she matriculated at Jackson State University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1955. Violet returned to Jackson State in later years and completed a Master of Science in Education in 1978. During the summer months, Violet participated in institutes to further her studies at the following Universities: Mississippi State University, Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee (Nashville), and the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa). Violet became very knowledgeable in the area of Exceptional Education, and contributed to the Department of Special Education at Jackson State University. Violet loved the Jackson State University Tigers and was a life member of the Jackson State University Alumni Association. In 2005, Violet eagerly participated in Jackson State University’s commencement exercises, where she received her Golden Diploma, celebrating her 50th year reunion. Violet began her teaching career in the fall of 1956 and retired in 1987. Over the span of 31 years, she worked in the Tchula Public School District, Madison County School District at Flora and Farmhaven, Oakley Training School and Jackson Public School District at Enochs and Whitten Junior High Schools. Making history, Violet was the first woman of color to integrate the Jackson Public School System as a school teacher. In recent years, she was invited back to Enochs to commemorate that event. During her tenure with Jackson Public Schools, her positions included special education teacher, vocational rehabilitation adjustment counselor, exceptional education counselor, and city-wide chairwoman of exceptional education. God blessed Violet to work with and touch the lives of numerous principals, superintendents and other co-workers, and most importantly to immensely impact the lives of her students. Always seeking to advance her skills as well as the teaching profession, she worked in various capacities of the former Mississippi Teachers Association, the Jackson Association of Educators (J.A.E.) serving as district director, the Mississippi Association of Educators (M.A.E.) and the National Association of Educators (N.A.E.). She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity and served as president and secretary of the Mississippi Council for Exceptional Children. She was also a member of the National Council for Exceptional Children and was a delegate to the national convention eight times. As a servant leader, Violet’s Christian work and leadership extended beyond the four walls of the church and her involvement with community and civic organizations was equally profound. She never sat on the sidelines. To her, if the organization was worthy of her membership, it was also worthy of her leadership. During the Civil Rights Movement, Violet became an activist. She participated in the March on Washington in Washington, D.C. She served as president of the Jackson District J.M.A. (Junior Matrons Association); coordinated the Y.W.A. (Young Women’s Association) Pageant of the Young People’s Department (Y.P.D.), General Baptist State Convention; coordinated and served as State Leader of the Southern Regional Conference of the Young People’s Department, National Baptist Convention, USA. Additionally, she held leadership in the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., and the Mississippi General Baptist State Convention. She received a degree in Christian Education from the National Sunday School and Baptist Training Union of Christian Educational Congress. Violet was also active with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc., and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A.C.P.). She served as president of the 8th District Federation of Colored Women; supervisor of the Mississippi State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc.; and was a charter member as well as president of the Forward Lookers Federated Club, which honored her in 2018 with its “Uplift Award”. In following her mother’s footsteps, Violet became affiliated with several fraternal organizations including membership and leadership positions with the Mississippi Jurisdiction and the Prince Hall Fraternal Family. Her participation included: Member of Rissah Court #80, Daughters of Isis; H. M. Thompson Assembly #117; Grace Jones Temple #639 - Elks; Order of the Golden Circle; Charter Member of Royal Grand Junior Stewardess of Magnolia Royal Grand Court, Order of Cyrene; Past International Princess Commandress for International Court of Cyrene Crusaders Auxiliary to the United Grand Encampment, Knights Templars of United States and Foreign Jurisdictions, Prince Hall Affiliation; Past Royal Grand Commandress of Magnolia Royal Grand Court Order of Cyrenes, PHA of the Jurisdiction of Mississippi; Member of Precious Jewel Court #146, Heroines of Jericho. Violet was a co-organizer and Grand Youth Counselor of the Order of the Eastern Star Youth Fraternity, where she gave her time and talents to assist the youth of the organization. She was also the Past Regional Chairman of the Southeast Region of the Prince Hall Conference of Grand Chapters, USA and Foreign Jurisdictions. From 1981 to 1990, Violet served as Associate Grand Worthy Matron and from 1990 to 1995, she served as Grand Worthy Matron of the Bathsheba Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation. In this position, she worked with all of the Mississippi chapters of the Order of Eastern Star in the Prince Hall Affiliation. Because Violet believed in what the Order of the Eastern Star stood for and because her mother worked so tirelessly in the organization, with the help of her brother, Rev. R. L. Williams, Violet formed the Fannie Patterson Williams Sanders Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, #509 in June of 1985 with her niece Queen E. Williams Bennett as its founding matron. Her niece Jackie L. Williams also served as a past matron. This Chapter was affiliated with the Rocky Hill Lodge #119 at Rocky Hill Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Williams was the pastor and a lodge member. Traveling was Violet’s favorite past time. She traveled to most of the states in the United States of America. She often attended the National Baptist Sunday and Training Union Congress and National Baptist Conventions and visiting family and friends along the way. But, many times, there need not be a reason, she would just go. Violet also traveled internationally including a storytelling tour through ten cities in Germany with her niece Diane Williams. In 1970, she, along with her brother and sister-in-law, traveled to eleven countries around the world. The tour, which included the Holy Land, was organized by the National Baptist Convention in conjunction with the Baptist World Alliance held in Tokyo, Japan. Family was everything to Violet. She often hosted breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the family like the birthday celebrations for her step-father, Phil “Dock” Sanders, which began before he reached the age of 100 and continued until his death at the age of 105. Holidays were special to her, especially Christmas. Violet would have “something special” for every family member. Violet was a community-involved individual. She was always in touch with local businesses, doing what she could to promote success. One of those businesses was Boot’s Flower Shop, where she spent most of her Fridays. When she was unable to drive, Violet managed to get a ride to the flower shop, not letting anything stop her. While there, she would assist in preparing floral arrangements and assisting customers. Violet received countless awards and recognitions for the service that she rendered to her church and profession as well as religious and civic affiliations. She served as the guest speaker for churches and civic organizations and continued her life of service far beyond retirement. In January 2012, Violet felt the need to move to Houston, Texas to live with her daughter. Nevertheless, moving to Houston did not hinder her from traveling back to Mississippi to participate in many organizations and activities which she was once so actively involved. Many people thought she still lived in Jackson, as she was here so much. While in Texas, she worshipped at Brentwood Baptist Church. Violet transitioned to her eternal rest on Sunday, October 27, 2019 while at home with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. She was the last living child born to her parents. She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry Williams and Fannie Patterson Williams Sanders and her siblings, Rev. R. L. Williams, Wilma Williams Bailey, Avis Williams and Fillmore Williams. Additionally, her niece, Bobbie Nell Clark, preceded her in death. Left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy are: her daughter, Beverly Ann Williams Miller, son-in-law, David Miller, Sr., Esq., and grandson, David Miller, Jr. Violet also leaves a sister-in-law, Annie M. Williams. Violet’s nieces and nephews were important to her, and she had a hand in rearing all of them. As their number one cheerleader, she encouraged them to continually achieve and was proud of their accomplishments. Many traveled, attended church, and cared for her when she lived in Jackson. The nieces and nephews that Violet leaves to cherish her memories and carry on her legacy are as follows: nephews - Eugene (Minnie) Bailey of Jackson, MS; Robert Perry of Chicago, IL; Rayfield Williams of Madison, MS; Ralph J. (Betty) Williams, Sr., Esq. of Lake Charles, LA; Shadric (Sara) Williams of Seattle, WA; Freddy E. Williams of Ridgeland, MS; and Philemon Williams of Madison, MS. The nieces are Freddi Williams Evans of New Orleans, LA; Queen E. Williams Bennett and Sharron U. Williams, Ph.D. of Madison, MS; Jackie L. Williams, Ph.D. of Washington, D.C.; and Annie L. Williams of Portland, OR. Additionally, left to cherish Violet’s memory is a close first-cousin, Sarah Bennett of Madison, MS, who is the last living grandchild of Phil Williams. Additionally, Violet leaves a host of great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, close relatives and friends across the country to cherish her memory.