Bertha Diane Williams

COLUMBIA - Bertha Diane Williams was born March 21, 1943 in Hartford, Connecticut. She was the only child of Monduke and Pattie Florence Coleman. Her parents relocated to Corona, New York where she was raised. Bertha was a happy child and had many friends. She was also a candy striper in her youth.

Bertha met and married her childhood sweetheart Robert Fulton Williams, Sr. in New York. Bertha worked for New York City Transit for 25 years, where she retired and later moved to Columbia, South Carolina. While living in Columbia, Bertha worked as a Corrections Officer at the Department of Corrections. She later worked as a Direct Support Professional at Babcock Center. Bertha also owned a retail business name R&B Company selling music and clothing.

Bertha became a member of the Sapphrins Chapter 15 of the Order of the Eastern Star organization. In that organization, she gave back to her community.

Bertha was a hard-working, strong woman. She was known for her determined attitude and wise demeanor. She loved to cook, play cards, watch movies, and spend quality time with her family. She was kind and respectful to all who knew her and was one of the most giving people you could meet. She was the epitome of class, strength, and kindness.

Bertha is survived by her ex-husband, Robert Fulton Williams Sr.; her children, Revetta Marie Williams Way, Robert Fulton Williams Jr., Pattie Charmane Williams Graves, and Cassandra Diane Williams; her grandchildren, Monica Marie McCall, Robert Fulton Williams III, Patrice Diane Graves, Megan Emoni McCall, and Madison Lorraine Farris; her great-grandchildren, Malachi Chase Williams and Lauren Charmane Williams; her son-in-law, Willie Way; and daughter-in-law, Rhonda Williams. Bertha is also survived by the children of her late grandson, Winfield Hue Gillespie Sr., Winfield Hue Gillespie Jr., Whalin Monduke Gillespie, and Wyatt Zeb Gillespie.

Bertha departed this earthly life on Friday, December 7, 2018.

Pastor Elaine Way will give a sermon at Bertha’s home going.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.