Ora Lee Williams

     Ora Lee Johnson Williams, 94, a native of Bremond, Texas, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on May 31, 2023. She was born next to the youngest of nine children on July 18, 1928 to Oscar “Spank” Johnson and Sarah Bradley Johnson. She graduated from Love High School in Bremond and went on to attend college at Prairie View A&M. Ora moved to Midland, Texas in 1950 where she met the love of her life, Joe L. Williams. She and her husband, Joe raised five children. She has seven grandchildren and eleven greatgrandchildren. She was a Sunday School Teacher for many years at Macedonia Baptist Church and Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. She has been singing since she was four years old and sang in the Gospel Chorus at Macedonia. She has been a Vacation Bible School Teacher, President of the Mt. Calvary Sanctuary Choir, and member of Higher Praise Choir. Ora served over the Kitchen Ministry for many years at both churches. She served in several auxiliaries at Mt. Calvary including President of the Scholarship Committee all of which she enjoyed serving the Lord with gladness. She was an active member of Progressive West Texas Baptist District Congress/Association for over 50 years. She served as President and Assistant Secretary of Mission I for the District Association. Ora was the first African-American to serve with the March of Dimes of Midland in the Mother's Walk. She also was the first African-American Precinct Chairman for the Democratic Party of Midland. Ora was a Lifetime Colored PTA Member of Carver Senior High School. Ora gave numerous hours of volunteer service as a member of RSVP with Community & Senior Services under the direction of Saul Herrera for many years. Ora was one of the initial nine Board of Directors for the South-East Neighborhood Association which assisted in the development of social, moral, economic, educational and spiritual programs for the betterment of the Midland community. She was a member of Southeast Senior Center. Ora served her community as a Board Member for Midland Memorial Hospital Board of Directors for eleven years. Ora was a member of the State Congress of Texas and served as song leader of the Bible Band for many years.
     

     Ora was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Carol L. Williams and eight siblings, Homer Johnson, Oscar Johnson, Mae Ella Johnson Arnold, Filmore Johnson, Maggie L. Johnson Nelms, Edom James “EJ” Johnson, Nora O. Johnson Overstreet and Alfonzo “Bud” Johnson. Carrying on her legacy is her four children, Robert L. Williams (Jeanette), Janice M. Williams Jackson, Loree A. Williams and Joe L. Williams, Jr. (Eunice). Granchildren - Tori Williams Blum (Ben), Kecia Williams Kelly, Tiffany Clay Nwoke (Kalu), Jeremy Clay, James Clay III (Ashley), James Williams and Michael Williams. Great-grandchildren are Priscilla Blum, Vaughn Blum, Jude Blum, Cheyenne Kelly, Liberty Kelly, Autumn Kelly, Julian Clay, Mya Jordan, Braylen Kline, Jamesen Clay and Edisen Clay.

Proverbs 31:31 - “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

     The family of Ora Williams would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for everyone who extended their service in helping to care for our queen. May God bless each and every one of you for your unwavering service.

     Receiving of family and friends for viewing will be held on Friday, June 9th, from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm at Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home, 2508 N. Big Spring St., Midland, Texas. Family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Homegoing Celebration will be Saturday, June 10th at 11:00 am at Midland First Assembly of God, 100 W. Wadley Ave., Midland, Texas. Interment will follow at Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park.