Catherine Williams

Catherine Sims Williams was born on August 25, 1928, in Sharon, Mississippi, one of twelve siblings, to the late Albert Sims and Georgia Thomas Sims.  She transitioned from labor to reward at 10:17 a.m. on November 20, 2019, at the age of 91.  On August 25, 1946, she married the love of her life, Otha Lee Williams, Sr., and they later moved to Joliet, IL.   To their union, five children were born.  She was widowed in 1993 after 47 years of marriage.   

She accepted Christ at a young age and served the Lord with gladness.    Like the Biblical story about Timothy and the faith he inherited from his Grandmother and Mother Eunice, she passed her abiding faith to each of her daughters.  She was member of Holy Temple Church of God in Christ for more than 70 years and served as the Superintendent of Sunday School, Sunday School Teacher, Pastor’s Aide and President of the Usher Board.  She enjoyed church and community service, as well as cooking and sewing.  Her doors were always open to share a meal with anyone from the community.  She served as mother, friend, mentor, spiritual guide, and “counselor” to many.  As a community activist, she served as a member of the Joliet Community Action Committee.

Catherine leaves a legacy of service and many cherished memories to her four dedicated daughters: Evangelist Kay Williams Sandu (son-in-law Dr. Constantine Sandu) Joliet, IL; Dr. Carline Williams Strong, Richton Park, IL; Dr. Levonne Williams, Gahanna, OH; and Rev. Dr. Geneace Williams, Esq., Burr Ridge, IL; one beloved sister: Hattie Flemming, Evansville, IN; one beloved brother: John Sims (Elizabeth) Evansville, IN; sisters-in-law Maggie Sims, Tecora Brooks, Mattie Mae White all of Mississippi; brother-in-law Isiah Williams, Sr., Joliet; two granddaughters Surendra Williams (Lawrence) Gonzalez, LA; Sunsurray Williams, Joliet, IL; two great granddaughters, Lorena Williams and Aleah Williams-Hadnot, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted daughter Deborah Sims, Godson Autry Perry, church family, and community friends.  She also leaves to mourn her loss several dedicated caregivers, including her most recent caregivers Althea Bibbs, Geneva Fulwiley, and Nina Shumpert who cared for her like daughters.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents, ten siblings, husband Otha Lee Williams, Sr., son Otha Lee Williams, Jr., and many other treasured relatives and friends.

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