Sarah Williams

Sarah Annaleatha Williams, daughter of the late Ernest and Daisy Singletary, was born in Edisto Island, South Carolina on April 11, 1951. She entered eternal peace on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Union, New Jersey.

Sarah attended Jane Edwards Elementary School and Baptist Hill High School, where she graduated in May 1969, and arrived in Newark, New Jersey in July of that year. For 35 years, she was a Telephone Operator at New Jersey Bell (later Verizon), until her retirement in June 2004. While there, she was known for her wisdom and dedication to service, which was respected by all who worked with her.

Sarah's dedication to service came into full bloom when she became a member of Saint Matthew AME Church in Orange, New Jersey. As a member for over 20 years, she joined the Harmony Choir (formerly the Senior Choir), Hospitality Committee, Manna from Heaven, and Usher Board. She later joined the I.C.U.A. (Interdenominational Church Ushers Association) where she served as president of the Northern Region.

Ushering was the highlight of Sarah's service, she embodied the meaning of "doorkeeper" and took the slogan, "If every usher was just like me, what would this usher board be?" very seriously. Sarah would assist in training new students in the School of Ushering, preparing them for ushering at their respective churches. Every signal, assignments on the floor, and every instruction were key indicators of her dedication; she met every parishioner with a smile as she believed ushers set the tone of how church service would be. She would attend as many Eastern Regional Conferences and training courses as possible to sharpen her skills.

Sarah was known for her kindness and wisdom to all those who met her; even strangers would talk to her, as they felt her warm spirit. Her "Southern Walk" turned heads, as it showed her confidence and playfulness. While Sarah loved her church family and her duty to service, she was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, godmother, and friend; she told it "Like it is" out of love, and if you wanted stern advice, she was the one to go to. Sarah believed if you talk the talk, you must walk the walk; never put today off for tomorrow, and most importantly, STAND! Don't give up or give in, stand as God will see you through everything.

Sarah was preceded in death by her eldest sister, Beatrice Wright of Edisto Island, SC. She leaves to cherish beautiful memories with her children, Daisy Tameaka Terry of Union, NJ; Corey Lamont Williams of Allentown, PA; grandchildren Donovan, Cameron, and Alyssa Williams of VA and FL. She is survived by her sister Janie Mae Finley of Parkville, MD; brother Ephraim (Linda) Williams of Randallstown, MD; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and acquaintances who will forever cherish her memory.