|
Thank You
Toledo!
Celebration of Life
First Lady Sister Wanda Ann
Williams
While our
hearts are deeply saddened by the loss of our Wife, Mother,
Grandmother and First Lady, I, Pastor John W. Williams,
along with our daughter - Yolonda Cheles, granddaughter -
Marquita Wirt, the Wilson Family and the members of the
Eastern Star, New Zion and Memorial Missionary Baptist
Churches would like to thank and acknowledge the entire
community of Toledo with deep appreciation for the many
comforting messages, prayers, flowers and other acts of
kindness and concern expressed during this time in our
lives. May God’s richest blessing be upon each of you.
As we
celebrated the home going of Sister Williams in Toledo on
Friday, February 20th and Saturday, February 21st,
your concern was demonstrated, as nearly 700 people were in
attendance for the service on Saturday. We extend our
deepest appreciation to Ms. Riggs and the staff of
Dale-Riggs Funeral Home, The Lucas County Sheriff’s
Department, State Representative – Michael Ashford, Mayor –
Paula Hicks-Hudson. along with Dr. Willie L. Perryman,
Pastor of the Jerusalem Baptist Church and Dr. Charles E.
Jones, Pastor of the Christian Temple Baptist Church, for
officiating at the services and the many, many Pastors that
attended. While we cannot list everyone, please know that
your acts of kindness did not go unnoticed.
Our beloved wife of 46 years and first lady
for 36 years, lived a life for Christ, so we know that we
will see her again. First
Lady’s favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13 – “I can
do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
In 2011, her strength in the Lord would be put to the test
as she was diagnosed with level four Breast Cancer.
In
her determination to use cancer as an entrustment from God,
she demonstrated she believed Philippians 4:13, and she
lived it! Even through numerous chemotherapy and radiation
treatments, she still encouraged others to “Hold It High!”
Her teaching attributes did not go to waste
as she taught Sunday School and Mission Class on a weekly
basis. She was a writer of several play and skits along with
the educational material used at all three Churches. She
also played a vital role in overseeing the compilation,
production and distribution of the material.
First Lady also served as the Supervisor of
the Deaconess Board, Director of Christian Education, Office
Manager, Personal Secretary to the Pastor as well a Youth
Director.
She was affectionately called “Mamoo” by
youth and young adults and even some adults she came in
contact with. She was determined to encourage the youth to
remain
connected to the Pastor and Church, as well
as to set positive examples as young Christian boys and
girls. Sis. Williams has conducted numerous of workshops on
various topics, but the focal point is always the role of a
Christian Woman. Drawing on her background in education, she
communicated with immense passion, energy, humor, warmth,
and grace and was able to penetrate and rouse listeners in a
manner that was complementary to her husband’s ministry,
with the purpose of teaching others how to love and live on
God’s Word.
In June 2013 in Memphis, Tennessee, First
Lady was honored as a nominee for the Leading Ladies Award,
which honors women in the Christian Community who have and
continue to make a difference in their sphere of influence.
Sister Williams was also presented with the First Lady of
Faith award on March 16, 2014 during Eastern Star’s 35th
Pastoral Anniversary Celebration for demonstrating
unwavering faith in God.
Her family, along with the members of the
Eastern Star, New Zion and Memorial Missionary Baptist
Church, loved and were very proud of our Leading Lady; an
inspiring woman of God, who encouraged many by exemplifying
great strength, wisdom and faith in the Lord. For these
reasons, though we are saddened, we rejoice at her home
going, knowing that a life lived for Christ, is not a life
lived in vain!
Thank you again, with heartfelt gratitude.
May God continually bless your lives for the love, kindness
and support you’ve demonstrated.
Dr. John W. Williams and Family and the
Eastern Star , New Zion and Memorial Missionary Baptist
Churches
|
