Cora Lee Williams

Cora Lee Williams, of Cleveland, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on September 27, 2025, at the age of 88. She was born on December 31, 1936, in Dover, Ohio, the beloved daughter of Cornelius Yancey and Alice Hatley.

Cora was raised in Canton, Ohio, where she graduated from McKinley High School. Her deep compassion for others led her to Kent State University, where she earned her nursing degree. After moving to Cleveland, she began what became a remarkable 50-year career at Mt. Sinai Hospital as a labor and delivery nurse. Known affectionately as the “baby whisperer,” Cora had a gift for calming newborns with the gentleness of her voice and presence.

Though she once considered becoming a teacher—going so far as to earn an associate’s degree in early childhood education—she quickly discovered her true calling was nursing. Early in her Cleveland years, she also dabbled in real estate, which, in a twist of fate, introduced her to Elmer Williams, the love of her life and future husband. From their union came her cherished daughter, Linda, and through marriage, she also became a proud stepmother to Thelma, Bobbie Jo, Osupa, and Sonia.

Cora was a woman of many interests and talents. She loved reading, was part of a bowling league, and enjoyed knitting. At Christmastime, she was famous for her cookie tins, lovingly sent to her siblings in Canton. She was also an exceptional baker and could make any holiday brighter with her sweet creations. After retirement, Cora embraced new hobbies, including yoga and tai chi, always eager to keep her body and spirit strong.

Her life was rooted in faith, love, and generosity. Cora was deeply devoted to her parish, where she went above and beyond her role as a member. She never hesitated to do what was necessary to ensure that Mass ran smoothly. She found joy in singing with the choir and also served as a eucharistic minister, sharing her faith and her warmth with others in meaningful ways. Family and friends will forever cherish her for her kindness, encouragement, and unwavering devotion to God and community.

She leaves behind to celebrate her memory her daughter Linda (Tommy), her stepchildren Thelma, Bobbie (Mike), Osupa, and Sonia, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her sisters Yolanda Hatley, Caroline Hatley, Norma Jean Backie, and Katherine Phifer (Jack), along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Elmer Williams, her brothers Frank, Melvin, and Jimmy, and her sisters Eva and Gwendolyn.

A Funeral Mass to honor Cora’s life will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Cora will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her faith, her strength, and her endless love for family and community.