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Submitted: 8/28/21 • Approved: 8/30/21 • Last Updated: 9/2/21 • R1387244-G1387244-S3
October 1, 1951 - February 23, 2021
Annie Lois Jones Williams was born on October 1, 1951, in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was the second-born child to Louis and Mary C. Jones. She was raised in Urbana, Arkansas, where she united with Mt. Zion #2 Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. During her membership, she was a songstress in the Junior Choir and later the Inspirational Choir. Her distinguished voice was a welcome addition to these choirs, as well as her gift of the piano when joining in with her siblings, daughters, and other family members doing their many occasions of making a “joyful noise” unto the Lord.
Annie began school in kindergarten in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1956 and attended 1st through 9th grade at Urbana Junior High in Urbana, Arkansas. She graduated in May of 1969 from Gardner High School in Strong, Arkansas. She loved dancing and was a very good basketball player throughout the school at Urbana Jr. High, under coach Shirley Faye Powell. One memorable game that classmates and siblings who remember and still talk about is the buzzer-beater, where Annie launched an overhead shot towards the basket that landed, hitting nothing but net, and the crowd went wild!
On October 1, 1970, she married Minor L. Willis, and to this union, Yolanda Willis Walker and Centorial Willis Hughes were born. After marriage, they moved to Ohio, where she was the founder of the Harmonettes of Ashtabula, Ohio. Annie returned to Arkansas and, many years later, united in marriage with Jimmy Williams.
Annie was a musician for various churches in El Dorado and surrounding areas. As a member of New Eastside Baptist Church, she was a dedicated member and looked forward to weekly broadcasting. She believed heavily in having her grandchildren be a part of summer vacation bible school during their summer visits.
Annie was a jewel to those she loved and encountered. She extended herself to others whenever she could, especially her grandchildren. Her grandchildren meant the world to her, and she told the world to them. She was proud of each of them and eager to be in their presence, whether she came to Texas or they traveled to Arkansas. Her recreational outlet was going to the Casino; this brought her excitement and relaxation.
Annie transitioned from this life at the Medical Center of South Arkansas on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis Jones Jr. and Mary C. Howell Jones, great-granddaughter Trinity Williams, and two nephews.
Her memories will be cherished by her daughters, Yolanda Walker (Anthony) of Josephine, TX., Centorial Hughes (Spencer) of Royse City, TX., six sisters Sylestine Jones of Rowlett, TX., Rena Faye Gentle (Tommy) of El Dorado, AR, Marilyn Nix (Harold) of Ashtabula, OH, Pat Jones of Hutto, TX, Felicia Jones-Smith (Miguel) of Rowlett, TX, Victoria Montgomery (Brandon) of Duncanville, TX., Stephanie Jones Rowland (Antonio) of Strong, AR., two brothers Willie Jones (Mary) of DeBary, FL, Jerry Jones (Christy) of Liberty Hill, TX; her four grandchildren YaKela Williams, Shatorial Miller, JaNaya Williams, and Armani Walker; her three great-grandchildren ZayDen Williams, Jennisis Gallow and Cameron “Kaison” Deon Shinault Jr.
She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus grandchildren, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly.
Contributed on 8/28/21 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1387244