Obituary of Juanita Williams

Ophelia Juanita Thomas Williams was born on July 25, 1939 in Cumberland County, Virginia to Jeta R. and Marian Gray Thomas. She graduated from Luther P. Jackson High School in1956 and went on to attend Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia and Durham Business college in North Carolina. She was later employed with Consolidate Bank and Trust in Richmond, Virginia. In 1962, she met and married her husband, Clyde and they resided in Washington, D.C. and Brooklyn, N.Y. eventually settling down in Richmond, Indiana in 1966. To this union two daughters were born, Patrice and Karen. She accepted Christ in her life at an early age and taught her family to place God first in their lives. Juanita was active in civil rights, political and social justice organizations including NAACP, SCLC, Mothers of Action and local political campaigns. She was a dedicated member and officer of Bethel A.M.E. and served on the Steward board, Trustee board and as a Class Leader. She spent her life helping others through her philanthropy and volunteer work. She enjoyed gardening, reading and traveling the world with her husband. She had a strong love and compassion for animals and never hesitated to help an animal in need. Nothing gave her more joy and happiness than being with her family and especially assisting her grandchildren with their spiritual upbringing. She is survived by her daughters, Patrice (Emerson) Mack of Richmond, Indiana and Karen (Kenneth) Wyatt of Acworth, GA; Grandchildren, Morgan Mack and Kennedy Mack of Richmond; brothers, Jeta "Joe" (Loretha) Thomas Jr. and Robert Wendell (Hazel) Thomas of Cumberland, VA; Cousins, Clarence Daniels and Thomas Brodie of Cumberland, VA; Nieces, Leta Thomas and Sierra Thomas of Cumberland, VA; Nephew, Robert Thomas Jr. of Richmond, VA; Brothers-in-law, Joe (Mabel) Williams of Columbia, SC and Raymond Williams of New York, NY; Sisters-in-law, Hattie (Sylvester) Burley, Loretta Williams, and Ivy Williams, all of Columbia, SC and Jacqueline (John) Wheelings of Bronx, NY and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Williams Jr. Parents, Jeta R. Thomas Sr. and Marian Gray Thomas; Mother-in-law, Lizzie Lee Williams and Sister-in-law, Sally Singleton.