Ms. Zelma O. Williams

Zelma Oshea Williams, a loving and devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and friend. Zelma was soft spoken and a very kind and sweet lady. She is survived by her beloved and devout husband, Samuel H. Williams Jr. whom she was married to for 73 years in love. It has never been a secret that she was the apple of Samuels eye and they affectionately called each other “Honey.” She leaves to cherish Her one gracious son, Roddy W. Williams and his wife, her daughter in love, Linda Escareno-Williams. Her Grandchildren, Vicenta Chalette, Sparkle Oshea and Heaven’Lee C. Williams. Her two Great Grandsons, RaLen Hardin II and Elijah Cayden Williams, her special cousin, Trueal E. Wheeler along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Zelma’s first love was the Lord, Jesus Christ and she loved the Lord with all her heart. She often said how much she loved life. Zelma loved going to church and loved her church family. She loved fellowship and reading the Bible. Zelma was born in Wilmot, AR. on March 14, 1929. Zelma was the fourth child of the great nine children born to Elmer and Winnie Bankston. She precedes all in death. Zelma attended Merrill High School and graduated in 1947. She worked for Emery Bird Thayer where she was in the kitchen and then for Safeway as a cashier until she retired. Zelma was a Sunday school teacher and served on the Mother Board for St. John M.B. Church. She was the church secretary under L.W. McCormick and continued under Thomas F. McCormick for many, many years. She was active with Project 25 where she was the Project Manager. In her free time Zelma really enjoyed working board puzzles and biblical word puzzles, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and volunteering at church. She loved to travel. She was a great seamstress and a great bowler and occasionally she got a strike. She would stay up late at night and play the Wi game with her great-grandson which she really enjoyed. Zelma was known for her delicious and famous peach cobbler. Zelma transitioned peacefully to glory at her home to forever be with the Lord on Sunday, August 20th, 2023 at the age of 94 at 7:30 in the morning. She will be deeply missed by her loving family and loved ones.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 28, 2023, 11am at St. John Baptist Church. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will from 9am-11am at the church. Services conducted by Watkins Heritage Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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