Barbara Gibson Williams

1927 - 2016

WILLIAMS

BARBARA GIBSON On November 17, 2016 after 88 magnificent years of life, Barbara Gibson Williams, who resided in Bloomfield Hills MI and Indian Wells California, left us to rejoin her beloved husband Sam, who preceded her in death in 2009 after 54 years of marriage. Born to Harold and Mae Gibson on November 30, 1927, in Flushing New York and growing up on Staten Island New York, Barbara's early and amazing talents led to a meteoric career in the Opera as a brilliant coloratura soprano. After receiving a Columbia Artists contract with RCA at the age of 19 and frequent national radio appearances on the "Voice of Firestone" and the "Bell Telephone Hour," Barbara went on to perform major roles with the San Francisco and Cincinnati Operas, followed by European concert tours. Upon her return from Europe, she surprised the musical world with her decision to retire from the stage in order to raise her young family in Detroit with her husband Dr. Sam B. Williams, founder of Williams International. In 1965, David DiChiera, who had committed himself to establishing an opera company in Detroit, persuaded her to perform the mad scene from Lucia di Lammermoor in eight performances throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area. Barbara became a founding board member of the fledgling company, providing constant artistic advice. "Throughout these many years, I have been fortunate to have such a dear friend with whom I could share my artistic aspirations. Barbara's talents and patronage had an enormous impact on the success of this company and greatly supported our constant effort to bring some of the world's greatest operatic talent to our stage." - David DiChiera. Barbara is survived by her three children and three grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be sent to the Michigan Opera Theatre, 1526 Broadway, Detroit, MI 48226. This will provide continued support of Barbara Gibson's Young Artist apprentice Program; supporting the company's commitment to train and prepare the opera stars of tomorrow. Services were held privately. A.J. Desmond & Sons 248-549-0500 Share memories and sign guestbook at

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