Search by Name

Search by Name

Serella Williams Obituary

Serella Harris Williams NORFOLK - Serella Harris Williams, 80, of the 6300 block of Avon Road, passed away Jan. 21, 2009, in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. She was born Sept. 25, 1928, in Southampton County, Virginia. She was predeceased by her husband, Earl LeGrant Williams Jr. Serella was a 1947 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and a 1952 graduate of Morgan State University. She received her master's degree from Boston University in 1954 and her doctoral studies in 1973 from University of California, Berkeley. She was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church where she served on the Deaconess Board. She retired in 1991 after 30 years of service as an assistant professor at Hampton University. She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Dr. N. Wynta Williams (Michael Sevier); one son, LeGrant Harris Williams Sr. (Linda); one sister, Esmond "Pat" Mason; one brother, Joe N. Harris; four grandchildren, Darryl T. Blackstock (Vanessa), LeGrant H. Williams Jr., Cameron T. Foster and Mia C. Foster; two great- grandchildren, Savion Blackstock and Jayden Blackstock; a dear supportive friend, Mr. Ernest Irving; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Jerusalem Baptist Church, 718 Tidewater Drive. Interment will be at Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake. Family and friends will assemble at the residence one hour prior to service for procession to the church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in Metropolitan Funeral Service, Granby St. Chapel. Condolences may be offered at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jan. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Serella Williams

Not sure what to say?





Wallace D Johnson Jr

February 11, 2009

LeGrant and Family,
Our sincere sympathy to all of you in the homegoing of your Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, sister, and Aunt. Your Mother and father were always good neighbors and kind and decent human beings and made Greenhill Farms a better place to live and raise children. Their legacy is a good one.
Prayers go up for all of you as you live with their memories.
The Johnsons

Lenora Armstrong

January 30, 2009

I was sadden when I heard of the death of Mrs. Williams. I was a student in the HPER dept as well as a cheerleader with Wynta. My prayers go out to the family during this time of grief. Remember she will always be with you.

Bobby C Martin

January 29, 2009

I am deeply saddened to receive the news that my dear friend and colleague Serella has passed. Her passing leaves a feeling of emptiness in my heart. We worked very closely on many projects at Hampton University for over three decades. She was a warm Christian person who loved people and saw the goodness in everybody .

I know that Wynta , Legrant, their families and Ervin will miss her as I will.

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, SERELLA.

Cynthia Burwell

January 28, 2009

I was sorry to hear about the death of Mrs. Willliams. She was one of my professors at Hampton and I'll never forget her encouraging words. Your family is in my prayers.

Cheryl Griffin

January 27, 2009

We were so sorry to hear about Dr Williams' passing. My family wishes to send condolences. My husband and his sister (James and Pat Griffin) grew up on Hampton's campus and knew her well. I came to Hampton to major in Physical Education and Mrs Williams was one of my professors. Such a nice lady. She will be in our prayers.

Darlene Ratliff

January 27, 2009

My prayers are with your family.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Serella Williams's name

Memorial Events
for Serella Williams

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Serella's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Serella Williams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more