Hattie M. Williams Obituary (1922 - 2022)

Mother Hattie M. Williams, was born, July 25, 1922, in Pollocksville, N.C., the youngest of ten children and the last surviving child. of the late Kitty Simmons Williams and Rev. Lehman M. Williams. At the age of 12, she accepted the Lord into her life; and was baptized at the Oakey Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Trenton, N.C, under the pastorate of Reverend J.E. Kornegay. Upon graduating from Jones County Training School in 1944, she attended Elizabeth City State Teachers College (now University). There she completed 3 years of Study in Elementary Education. Always determined to further her education, she completed courses at N.Y.C. Community College (now Technical College); and Medgar Evers College, in Brooklyn, NY. Mother Williams acquired her first work experience employed by the Federal Government, at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in Jacksonville, N.C. as a Food Service Worker during World War II. It gave her great pride to work in this capacity as it allowed her to provide meals to hospitalized Marines; and to meet some of our country's first, Black Marines; who were stationed, not far, at Camp Montford Point. In her late teens she went to live with her beloved Aunt Effie Wiggins, where she enjoyed spending time with her cousins Estella and Printiss, until migrating to Brooklyn, NY, in 1949. Mother Williams, always had a great work ethic; and upon arriving to Brooklyn, she held various jobs, from Housekeeper to Factory Worker. Shortly after arriving in Brooklyn, Mother Williams found her Church home at the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Brooklyn, under the Pastorate of Rev. C.L. Franklin; where she was a dedicated member until her passing. She was faithful and volunteered, whenever needed. However, her greatest joy was, serving in the Mini Bus Ministry. She loved Mt. Lebanon; and donated three Rose Bushes to add to the beauty of its landscape. In October of 1969 Mother Williams began her career as a Teaching Assistant with the N.Y.C. Department of Education, at Whitelaw Reid Junior High School 57. Her fondest and most rewarding experience while there was working in the, "College Prep Program." Throughout her career she wrote and directed many assembly programs for the enjoyment and edification of the students. For many students she was the voice of hope and reason when they wanted to give up. She retired in 1988, after working several years at the at Eubie Blake Public School 25. Mother Williams was very community oriented. She attended Community School Board meetings; was a member of the Eleanor Roosevelt Tenants Association, where she briefly served on the Membership Committee. She also worked with children who lived in her building on a Mother's Day and a Black History program for the community. She even tried her hand at planting a flower garden in front of her building. Throughout her life she had a love of family, poetry and Gospel hymns. In her latter days, she enjoyed having poetry read to her; and listening to and singing along with Gospel hymns. Mother Williams loved the Lord and relentlessly sort to secure salvation for her children. She was uplifted by visits from her Mt. Lebanon Church Family; and greatly appreciated the well wishes she received from her neighbors; and the Shiloh Baptist Church Family, which were delivered by her children. She was always grateful; and her typical response was, "Tell her/him Thank you for thinking about me." The special care she received from her nieces, Kittie Doretha Koonce, Mary Williams; and family friend, Linda Trammell were a great comfort to here during her latter years. Mother Williams leaves to cherish her memory, three children: Aldred J. Williams, Judith R. Williams and Deidre L. Williams; two grandchildren, Al J. Williams and Erica R. Dominick; 9 great-grandchildren, Chas Dominick, Erionna Dominick, Keyshawn Dominick, Asani Williams, Makaila Dominick, Destiny Dominick, Tatiana Mitchell, Jaleel Mitchell, and Jermaine Mitchell; her Cousin Estella Wiggins; her niece Evelyn Boyd; nephews Ronald and John Kinsey; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, colleagues and friends