Ms. Rellie Williams' Obituary
OBITUARY
Rellie Mae Williams was born on November 02, 1931 in Meridian, Mississippi to the late Levi Williams and Lou Bertha Charles Williams. She was the 4th of 5 children and was a devoted daughter and protective sister to her siblings, especially her baby sister, Pennie. Her older brothers and sister, Howard Williams, Arthur Leo Williams, and Louise Knight preceded her in death.
Rellie received her education in the Meridian Public School System. Upon graduation from TJ Harris Senior High School, she attended Jackson State College where she earned her B. S. Degree in Elementary Education. She then attended Florida A & M and earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Rellie returned to Meridian and pursued her career as an Elementary Special Education teacher in the Meridian Public School System until her retirement. Rellie shared that her favorite job was working with the students. She loved the kids and enjoyed helping them and watching their progress. Rellie also received her cosmetology license and was a member of the Meridian Beautician Club.
Rellie accepted Christ at an early age and attended New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served in many areas. She was a Sunday school teacher, a member of the BTU Missionary Society, a member of the senior choir, and Kitchen Ministry. Rellie served as Church Clerk for 69 years and continued to help after she retired. Rellie always gave and did her best when preparing the bulletin boards, and programs for special occasions. She loved to write and read poetry and always found a poem for each occasions.
She has an extensive home library that is filled with many reference books on church organization and procedures, commentaries, various bible translations for children, teens, and adults. She loved music and has hymn books and sheet music from years back. Her collection includes over 300 cookbooks and she especially loved baking.
While New Hope was her first love, it was closely followed by Jackson State University. She was a lifetime member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association and very active in the local Meridian JSU Chapter. Rellie supported their banquets, fund raisers, scholarships, and JSU football. She purchased season tickets and parking passes for all JSU home games for not only her and Pennie, but many of their friends and family. This was the first year they ever missed games, but she tuned in to ESPN to follow JSU and their new coach. While we tried to introduce her to the internet as a reference and source to look up information, Rellie continue to read her newspaper and clip all articles on JSU.
Rellie found time to participate in many community organizations. She and Pennie would join as a member and before you knew it, they would become President, Secretary, Treasurer, or holding some position. They were dubbed “two of the busiest little old ladies you could hang out with”. Rellie was a member of the National Baptist Convention, East Central Retired Educators Association, the Meridian Chapter of National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club (NANBPWC), Mississippi Homemakers, American Cancer Relay for Life, Girl Scouts of America, Lauderdale County Election Commission, Meridian Beauticians Club, the Wechsler Community Arts Center, and the Council Of Organizations/ National Council of Meridianites Club. Rellie and her sister would travel to the various Meridianites picnics in all five regions. They would start making plans to attend as soon as the date was published and invite other family members to participate, especially when the picnic was back in Meridian. They were looking forward to the 2020 picnic in Seattle for 2020 however Covid hit and canceled plans for many.
Rellie was a loving servant, sister, aunt, godmother, cousin, club member, mentor to many, and friend. Rellie was very caring and thoughtful with everyone. She did not meet a stranger and always let her light shine for Jesus.
On Friday April 23rd, 2021, the Angel of Silence came and sealed the lips of our loved one. Her soul winged its flight from this world of pain, sin, and sorrow to a place of eternal rest. She will be greatly missed but her memory will be in our hearts and minds forever. Rellie’s memory and love will be most cherished by her sister and best friend, Pennie Dickey, her niece Lorraine Nelson and husband Vincent (Rialto, CA); her niece Yolanda Patton and husband Bobby (Tampa, FL); her nephew Raymond Williams and wife Pat (Detroit, MI); her special friend, Johnny Cotton and family, (Jackson, MS); her great nieces, Kelly Knight, San Diego; Christa and Kimberly Knight, Wichita,
Kansas; Jasmyn Romo and Aliyah, (Moreno Valley, CA) and Nevaeh Nelson (Las Vegas); her great nephews, Joseph Singleton III, Joseph Singleton IV and Christopher Cane Singleton (Fontana, CA); Chris Singleton and wife Brittney, and great grand niece Bristol (Seattle, WA); Eric Knight (San Diego, CA); Vincent D. Nelson, Ayden Nelson, (Las Vegas, NV) her godchildren, Renita Cotton, Casandra Sloan and husband Lionel, Rillinda Windham and husband Lee, Josh Sloan and wife Rachel; the Dean Family (Alfonso, Hortensia, Jasmaine, Robert, Jarrell, Noah, George and Dominic), and lots of cousins and friends.
“Death is not the end, it is the beginning of an abundant life.”
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC,
THE CDC AND STATE OF MISSISSIPPI HAVE MANDATED THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:
Viewings:
- All viewings are limited to one hour and no more than 10 people allowed in the chapel at one time where social distancing is not possible.
- Temperatures must be taken upon entering the lobby. Temperatures 100 degrees or more will not be allowed to enter.
- All visitors must wear a mask and are not allowed to touch, hug or kiss the body.
Graveside Services:
- Outdoor services are limited to 50 people where social distancing is not possible. All in attendance must wear a mask.
What’s your fondest memory of Rellie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Rellie?
Share a story where Rellie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rellie you’ll never forget.
How did Rellie make you smile?