Dorothy “Pennie” Williams of Longboat Key, Florida, passed to be with her beloved Lord at the beautiful age of 100, on April 16, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. She was an angel on earth, full of love, positivity, strength and joy. Pennie was born in Templeton, Massachusetts, on July 20, 1923, to Georgianna and Dexter Tolman. She was a very shy and quiet young girl who left school early to go to work. Her family moved to Rhode Island, and Pennie went to work as a caregiver, jewelry maker at Coro, waitressed in many Rhode Island restaurants, and retired from Almacs Grocery Store, where she worked for many years. She married and had two children and soon became a single mom who single handedly worked to support her children. This was not easy as the country was facing a difficult time. She was a wonderful seamstress and made most of our clothes. She moved to Cranston, Rhode Island, and loved tap dancing at the Cranston Senior Center, performing many shows for nursing homes, and in 1994, she was named Miss Cranston Senior. She sang in a choir for 40 years at the Church of Master in Providence. We were baptized in the waters together when I was twelve years old.
She moved to Florida thirteen years ago, and went on stage with the Sarasota Senior Theater, then on Players Stage, singing with Senior Follies. It was her joy. When it became difficult for her to do those activities, she spent many hours reading, completing word puzzles, oodles of regular puzzles, and she loved to play Rummikub for hours. She was always smiling, positive, and joyful. A beautiful light shining love to all. She has many people who love her and call her Momma Pennie. I believe we all feel blessed to have had this wonderful angel in our lives. Her faith in Jesus was strong and it showed through her beautiful eyes that her heart was full of love. She will be missed and remembered by all who knew her.
Pennie is survived by her children
Son Richard Williams and wife Barbara, and Daughter Barbara Bostic
Grandchildren Richard Williams II, Jeffrey J. Bostic, Jennifer Bostic Ernst and husband Michael Ernst, and April Williams.
Great-grandchildren James Annito, RJ Williams, Paige Williams, James R. Bostic II, Malaki Bostic, Tristan Cone, Skyler Ernst, and Bailey Williams.
Great-great-grandchildren Caleb Annito and Gabriel Williams
Sister Barbara Lancia, daughter Cynthia, and many other family members. Preceded in death by her mom and dad, Georgianna and Dexter Tolman.
Her brothers and sisters Rae Torrisi, Marison Dimm, Leonard Tolman, Joyce Nigrelli, Betty Valcruz, Robert Tolman and Etta M. Tolman
Grandson Jason Williams
A graveside service is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at 11AM at Pawtuxet Memorial Park.
Please no flowers. If you wish you may send donations to her favorite charities in her memory to veterans and St Jude children’s hospital.
A celebration of life will take place later in the year in Sarasota, Florida.
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