Ira Williams

Ira Jean Williams, a beautiful spirit who touched every life she encountered with grace, warmth, and unwavering faith, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on October 26, 2025.
She was born on September 10, 1948, in Yreka, California, to the late Ocie Paige Milligan and Willie Milligan. Ira Jean was educated in the Dunsmuir School District, where she attended Dunsmuir High School and later continued her education at the College of the Siskiyous.
She was united in marriage to Roger Mitchell in 1964 in Weed, California. Together, they shared the blessing of children. Though they later divorced, they stayed in touch throughout the years, and he preceded her in death in 2012. In 1986, she was remarried to David Williams Jr in Lanham, Maryland. They shared the blessing of a child. Though their marriage later ended in divorce, they remained connected through their shared love for family.
Ira Jean's life was a living testimony of resilience, strength, and faith. After surviving a tragic injury early in her adult life that left her wheelchair bound, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Through sheer determination, prayer, and perseverance, she relearned to walk, a true reflection of her unshakable faith in God's healing power. In her later years, when she once again required the use of a wheelchair, she continued to live with dignity, joy, and gratitude, inspiring everyone who witnessed her courage.
Despite the challenges she faced, Ira Jean lived a life full of purpose and love. She worked many devoted years in the medical field at Washington Hospital Center, where she cared for others with the same compassion she extended to her family and friends. Above all, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and woman of God whose faith anchored her through every season of life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Billie and Helen, her brothers Jimmy and James Louis, her beloved aunt Odester Best, and her bonus grandsons Leon and Cameron.
Left to cherish her precious memory are her children DeMaris Mitchell Roy (Rodney), Malikah Washington, Shaun Koiner (Brandi); BriAnna Telesford (Deron), and her bonus daughters Tamika, Rocie, and Tracy; her grandchildren Markeshia, Chaz, Ocie, Ju'Wan, Dominique, Amazin, Lauren, Malaya, Tyler, Logan, Jade, Jamison, Nasir, and Serafina; and her bonus grandchildren Akierra, Imani, Stephanie, Tyresha, Antwon, Angel, Marcus, and Tyrese. She is also survived by her loving goddaughter Angel (Jay), best friend Elmer and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and beloved friends.
Ira Jean loved the Lord with all her heart. Her faith guided her through every trial and triumph, and her light continues to shine through those she loved most. She will forever be remembered as a woman of strength, grace, and unshakable faith, a true example of God's sustaining power and love.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.