Lorene Williams

Lorene Joyce Mayfield Williams, 98, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025 at Delta Health System Medical Center in Greenville, MS surrounded by family. Born June 14, 1927 in Indianola, MS, she started attending elementary school in Vicksburg, Mississippi and returned later to Indianola to continue her education at the Indianola Colored Public School. She was raised by her grandmother, Lucy Mayfield, after the death of her mother, Susie Anne Mayfield, when she was 8 years old.
When she was a teenager, the family moved to Chicago, IL and then she returned to Indianola where she met her late husband West "Buster" Williams, Jr., the love of her life. From this union, they had eleven children and one son, Charles, from his prior relationship. Lorene had siblings, Dorothy Hudson and William Earl Mayfield, both of Chicago, IL. She was predeceased by her mother, husband, sister Dorothy, brother William Mayfield, son Charles Williams, and two grandsons, Anthony Williams, Jr. and Mario Strong. She is survived by her eleven children: Carolyn (Hobson) Strong of Powder Springs, GA, Annie Rose Strong of Tuscaloosa, AL, Mary (Willis) Hadrick of Tuscaloosa, AL, Billie Joe Williams of Indianola, MS, Dr. Jimmie (Patricia) L. Williams of Painted Post, NY, Beverly Williams Suggs of Indianola, Dr. Gregory (Melcenia) E. Williams of Corning, NY, Bishop Anthony (Adrienne) R. Williams of Murietta, CA, Veretta Williams of Marietta, GA, Dr. Quinton (Opal) L. Williams of Waldorf, MD, Deidra (Leatories) Williams Carter of South Fulton, GA, 20 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.
Lorene loved the Lord and her family and was active in her church and the community. She had a strong bond with her children and taught them to love, respect, and honor each other. She and her husband encouraged their children to continue their education and taught them lessons in life to become successful. After the 11th child was born, Lorene decided to attend college at the age of 56 where she received an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Coahoma Junior College to continue teaching at Head Start. She was a teacher for more than two decades until her retirement. Lorene loved to travel, take cruises, sew, cook and fish, which she immensely enjoyed with her husband. She met everyone with a smile and a soft sweet voice. She and her husband would invite strangers into their home to share whatever they were serving. Her passion was teaching and interacting with children. She was a Mother of her church at Bethel Church of Christ Holiness, USA. Later, she became a member of the Church of our Lord in Indianola under Pastor John H. Ware.
Byas Funeral Home of Indianola, MS is entrusted with arrangements. Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. on November 28, 2025 at Byas Funeral Home, 407 Front St. Ext., Indianola, MS 38751. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on November 29, 2025 at Church of Our Lord, 1020 Kinlock Rd., Indianola, MS 38751.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the Delta Health System Medical Center in Greenville for their exceptional care and compassion.