Willie Hazel Williams

Willie Hazel Williams, the fourth of nine children, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. She was preceded in death by her siblings Bennie C. “Runt” Jones (Jo Hazel, deceased), Gerald “Pine” Jones, Wilmer Jones (Gracie Lee), Rena Mae “Red” Langley (Johnny Clark), sister-in-law Carrie Mae Jones and brother-in-law Ross Earl Jones.

She is survived by her cherished siblings: Pearlene Bryant (Athens, TX) and her husband Bobbie, Ester Marie Broussard (Dallas, TX) and her husband Kent, Merle Travis “Bubba” Jones (Dallas, TX), Joann Wallace (Tyler, TX), as well as a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Willie was married to Charles A. Williams (deceased) of Wolf City. She was a proud mother to one son, Kirk, affectionately known as “Kirky,” who resides in Lancaster, TX, and is married to Gina Williams. She was also a devoted grandmother to two granddaughters, Kara Williams Ochieng (Abu Dhabi) and her husband Ben, and Giana Williams (Dallas), along with two great-grandchildren, William Ochieng and Langston Ochieng (Abu Dhabi).

Willie graduated from Fisher High School in Athens, TX, before earning her Bachelor’s degree from Paul Quinn College in Waco, TX, where she served as Miss Paul Quinn and joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She later obtained her Master’s degree from East Texas State University.

In her early twenties, Willie moved to Dallas for better work opportunities. She began her career at Texas Instruments before dedicating 43 years to the Dallas Independent School District. During her tenure, she taught at Julia C. Frazier Elementary School, Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School, and Jefferson Davis (currently Barbara Jordan) Elementary, among others. Willie was nominated as Teacher of the Year three times, a testament to her impact on her students.

A lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Willie served with pride at Bethel AME Church for over 50 years. Her roles included YPD Director, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Sunday School Teacher, Choir member, and active participant in the Women’s Missionary Society and various other auxiliaries throughout the years.

In her free time, Willie enjoyed serving her church, shopping, traveling, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. She especially loved fishing trips with her son, Kirk. Known for her warmth and encouragement, Willie always had a kind word to uplift those around her.

Willie Hazel Williams leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and unwavering support for her family and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.