WILLIAMS, Loretta Janice Was born November 1, 1937 in Boston, Massachusetts to Leon and Ira Lomax. She graduated from Girls Latin High School, attended Simmons College and received her Ph.D in sociology from S.U.N.Y Buffalo. Inspired by her father, the title of her dissertation was Black Freemasonry and Middle Class Realities. As a sociologist and author, Dr. Williams combined scholarship with activism. She served as the Founding Chair of the U.S. National Interreligious Commission on Civil Rights; Co-Chair of the Racial Justice Working Group convened by the U.S. National Council of Churches; chair of the Mozambique Support Network USA; and was long active in diverse interreligious, interfaith and secular communities. From 1980 to 1989, Dr. Williams was director of the Section on Social Responsibility of the Unitarian Universalist Association. She later served as Director of the Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights. In 2011, Community Change, Inc. honored her for her efforts to create a better world of justice for all. Loretta was predeceased by her sister Patricia Janey and her son Kyle McKinney. She is survived by her sister Barbara Dawson; sons Theos D. and Kenelm L. McKinney; daughters-in-law Michelle, Sylvia and Gweneth; grandchildren Nicole, Miriam, Aubrey, Maxwell, Leif, Lir, Llew and Dillon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. All were inspired by her passion for justice and her love of learning. A celebration of Dr. Williams' life and work will be held Sunday July 12, 2pm at the African Meeting House, 46 Joy St, Boston, MA 02114. To learn more about her extraordinary life visit davisofboston.com.

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

Published by Boston Globe from Jun. 19 to Jun. 21, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for LORETTA WILLIAMS

9 Entries

Barbara W

February 14, 2018

I was an undergraduate student of Loretta Williams at Mizzou, maybe 1976 or 1977. I later did an independent study of the organizer Saul Alinsky with her. It is too long ago to recall specifics, but I can picture her lecturing, still feel the same admiration and affection I had for her, still know the acceptance she extended to me as a maturing learner, and I can say she was the standout teacher of my four years in Columbia. Periodically I would Google her as I did today. In ways my conscious mind can barely grasp, she was an enduring influence.

Kathryn Price NicDhàna

January 5, 2018

I've been remembering Loretta recently. I also worked at the UUA in Boston, during Loretta's time as the Director of the Social Responsibility office. I was one of the youth staff, and most of the adults were not very kind or helpful to us during that time. Loretta was an exception. She made me feel welcome and valued. She made me feel my work mattered. She brought me to one of my first protest marches. She was a mentor and role model to me, and my life would not be the same without her. I'm not sure I would have gotten through that time without her. I remember her with deep gratitude, affection, and honour.

August 12, 2015

I met Loretta some years back through a mutual close friend we share, Larry Watson. Over the years, we grew close. She was an important part of my career path since she was involved in the organization and editing of my dissertation. I smile as I think of the heated discussions we had over how I was proceeding and what I needed to do to complete my work on time. I always brought her flowers and loved seeing her smile through her stoicism.
I think the last time we were together was for an event at the Unitarian Church in the Back Bay. We spent some time on Newbury Street and shared thoughts about our mutual UUA connection.
I will miss her! A few months back I sent her a card thanking her for all she had done for me, hoping I would get a chance to see her because I knew her health was failing.
I will miss her spirit, her truth, her commitment to social justice and her tenacious adherence to the values she treasured. She was a rare and powerful woman.
I grieve!
Dr. Lloyd Sheldon Johnson
Cambridge, MA

August 5, 2015

We knew, loved and respected Loretta. Met her when she worked for the UUA. A truley remarkable woman. Rev. Larry and Nancy Hutchison

July 5, 2015

I was saddened to learn of Loretta's death.
Betty Jo Middleton

July 5, 2015

Loretta was the first UUA staff person I met at my first General Assembly in Vancouver BC in 1983, She became my mentor and friend and inspired me in my work for racial and economic justice. You are close to my heart and will remain so as long as I live.
Rev, Dr. Dorothy Emerson

July 4, 2015

I worked with Loretta on a number of projects when she worked for the Unitarian Universalist Association. She was a remarkable woman. I am sorry that at this point in history we are losing such an advocate for justice.

Mable Grimes

July 1, 2015

rest in peace, Dr. Williams, you worked very hard when you were here at the University of Missouri!! Your work was not in vain, it will live on forever.

Stefanos

June 20, 2015

I am greatly saddened by Loretta's passing, and I extend my condolences and sympathy to her families.

Loretta and I were good friends for a long time. We met in the early 80s, when she was doing outreach for the Unitarian Universalist Association. I was an activist in support of Eritrea's liberation struggle--my home country. Loretta set up an interview--and our friendship was launched.

I was drawn to Loretta's tenacious commitment to social justice, including her struggles against and teaching about racism--particularly in the workplace. She was effective and unwavering.

I saw Loretta for the last time in May. She invited me for lunch, and I brought Thai take-out. Loretta walked indomitably down three flights of stairs to greet me. We had a wonderful long, rich conversation. We reminisced about our history.

I am so very grateful that Loretta and I had this time together.

She had such admirable integrity. She was resolute, courageous, caring, and loyal. She was so very much her own person. I will miss her greatly.

My thoughts are with her families. As Loretta never failed to sign off a communicationIn Struggle There Is Hope'. May she rest in peace.

Asgedet Stefanos

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results