Obituary of Jessie Irene Williams

Jessie was born June 24, 1919 in MeRough, Louisiana, the second of five children, to the blessed union of Jasper and Sarah King. Her early and formative education began at Morehouse Parish Grade School. Upon completion of high school, she entered into a higher realm by enrolling at Grambling University, Grambling, Louisiana, acquiring a Bachelor's of Science Degree. As a young adult, Jessie knew a spiritual force was needed in her life, in as much as she was reared in a Christian home by Christian parents, she sought the Lord as her personal savior. She became a member of St. John Baptist Church, working primarily in the Sunday School, Baptist Training Union and other youth- related activities of the church. On December 1, 1945, she was united in holy wedlock to Woodrow Williams, and in January 1946, they relocated to Denver, Colorado to establish a new home. For five years, Mrs. Williams was employed by Western Leather Factory. After the job termination, she decided on a career change, and applied to become a substitute teacher for the Denver Public Schools. This later led to her acquiring a contract, where she became a teacher in the Denver Public School System. After twenty-five years of faithful service, she retired on June 9, 1984. Her career was one of incredible vigor and forcefulness. She was a relentless crusader for what she believed right. The children were the love of her life and it was her joy working with them. She spent many hours in education in Colorado, working on advanced degrees, doing post graduate work to enhance her teaching career. Shortly after arriving in Denver, Mrs. Williams transferred her church membership and united with Cleaves C.M.E. Church in October 1948. She remained a faithful and devout member until her transition from this life, into her eternal assignment. She was a diligent worker, serving as Choir President, Secretary, Treasurer; a member of the Missionary Society; Stewardess Board #2 President, and also the Acolytes. She was very devoted to the entire church and its membership and enjoyed being on the move. Her life was the epitome of courage, vision, and deep faith. No one ever again will embody all her traits, her professional attainment, her courage, her dedication to service and the candor of her speech. Other affiliations included: member of Lone Star Chapter #1 Order of Eastern Star, Honorary Past Matron; Mountain Plain Assembly #49 of Golden Circle (charter member); member Syrian Court #40, Daughter of Isis, life member, Past Commandress and Honorary Past Imperial Commandress; member of Beta Rho Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc., Past Basileus. Jessie was much esteemed in the community in which she lived and was generally recognized as one whose acts and deeds were worthy of emulation. She verily and truly exemplified a spirit "To Help The Needy, To Succor The Distressed And Support Everything That Is Fine And Noble." The Lord called Mrs. Jessie Irene Williams home on March 24, 2014. Those left to cherish her memory include her step- son, James (Azelia) Williams of Roseville, CA; step-daughter, Cecilia (Troy) Floyd of Berkley, CA; sister-in-law, Marjorie Williams of Denver, CO; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.