Esther Williams

Esther Alice (Banks) Williams, 92, of Boston, MA passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026. She was the wife of the late William Williams.

Born September 3, 1933 in New Brunswick, NJ she was the daughter of the late Lorenzo and Sadie (Hankerson) Banks.

She was a graduate of New Brunswick High School in New Jersey and in the earlier years of her employment she was a nursing assistant at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. Esther was also employed by Northeastern University as a guidance counselor. She had a great love for education.

Esther was a member of the Boston Chapter for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She served as the education department director.

She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Boston, the former St. Angela's Merici Parish. Esther was an avid traveler, she enjoyed going for long walks and helping others. She also enjoyed bowling and belonged to a league as well.

She is survived by a sister; Frances Cladd of New Brunswick, NJ; nieces and nephews, Roderick Gomez of North Brunswick, NJ, Shirley Bennett of New Jersey, Anthony Gomez of Lakewood, NJ, Lawrence Cladd of New Brunswick, NJ, Joseph Cladd of Franklin Township, NJ, Will Cladd of Germany, Lois Cladd of South Brunswick, NJ and William Banks of Piscataway, NJ; a sister in law, Judy Banks of Raleigh, NC. She was preceded in death by her father in law, Ike Williams and her beloved long time companion, Milton Robert Santos.

Family would like to thank Ronette Mendes, loving goddaughter and caregiver and the staff at Hope Health Hospice for the compassionate care and support.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 9:00AM to 10:00AM in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Parish, 1548 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10:00AM. Burial will take place at New Calvary Cemetery, 800 Harvard Street, Mattapan, MA.