Birdie Alethia Williams

She was a lifelong resident of Dayton, Ohio, and was preceded in death by her father Turner J. Potter, mother Anna F. (Reuben) Sorrells, brothers James E. Potter, Reuben T. Sorrells, and John W. Sorrells, sister Vivian R. Jackson, sons Bruce A. Williams, and Brett A. Williams, Sr.

Birdie was a 1958 graduate of Roosevelt High School in Dayton, Ohio. In 1970 she began a dedicated career in health care at the Dayton Mental Health Center. Upon its closure in 1994, she joined the State Operated Services until she retired in 1997, after serving 27 years as a devoted health care worker. Birdie’s desire to serve others was evident when she returned to work in 1998 to assist with the Meals on Wheels program for senior citizens.

Birdie was a woman of strength, courage, resilience, and compassion. Her resilience was proven on several occasions as she overcame amazing medical hurdles throughout her life. Beginning at the tender age of 12, she was one of the youngest persons to be stricken with, and survive the polio disease in 1952. From 2015 to 2024, Birdie bravely confronted a series of health challenges that surpassed medical understanding.

She was a woman of faith. Her daily routine included Bible and the Daily Word readings, and a prayer before bed. She bore deep compassion for the welfare of children, animals, and the vulnerable. She considered her children and grandchildren to be the center of her existence.

She is survived by her son Robert L. Williams, daughters Renee Kinlock and Beverly D. Williams; grandchildren Neal T. Williams, Ryesha L. Williams, Auree Kinlock, Brett A. Williams, II, Turner J. Williams, Breez Williams, Brandon Alexander, Renee Williams, Rynee Williams, Reanna Williams, and Bruce-Derrick Williams; special nieces Rayva Sorrells, Mary Angela Jackson, and Jennifer Sorrells; devoted nephew Jon Jackson; friend and caretaker Tina Brady; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and family.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, 11:15 a.m on the LA Yacht Charters in Long Beach, California.

Acknowledgements

A special thanks to Dr. Louis B Louis, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, and his team at the University of Cincinnati (OH) Medical Hospital. Dr. Louis’ expertise saved our mother’s life in 2015. Thanks to Dr. Lena Bhargava, PCP, at The Christ Hospital in Liberty Township, Ohio, for her genuine and professional care for our mother. Finally, we are moved by the caring staff at the Torrance Memorial Hospice team (Carolyn, Hazel, Rudi, Dave, and Gladys) in Torrance, California.

The sorrow that fills our hearts can hardly be described. Yet we are surrounded and comforted by the prayers, calls, visits, and love that our friends and family have shown us. For that, we are grateful.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Birdie's memory may be made to St. Jude, and Feed the Children or to a charity of your choice.