Tempie Holman Williams

Tempie Holman Williams, the beloved wife of the late Col. Cyrus L. Williams, IV, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after a brief illness at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. Tempie was born in Suffolk, Virginia, the eldest daughter of William and Catherine (Valentine) Holman. Tempie was a bright child who began college at 16. She graduated from Virginia State University, Class of 1946, and began teaching before marrying Cyrus in 1949. Tempie lived in West Hartford for over 40 years and was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Hartford. She never wavered from her strong belief in God, which guided her throughout her life.
As the matriarch of her family, Tempie provided love and support whenever and wherever it was needed. She was the epitome of the military wife, steadfast in her love, devotion and support. In her capacity as "Grandmommy", she helped raise her grandchildren and played a significant role in their intellectual and spiritual development. Tempie was courteous and dignified and always carried herself the "right way".
Tempie leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Fabienne (Daniel) Jackson and Barbara (Spencer) Peterson, both of West Hartford; her grandchildren, Heather Williams, Tacoma, Washington; Nicole Jackson, Bronx, NY; Spencer Peterson II, Manchester, CT; Meagan Calderon, Lakewood, Washington; Thomas Jackson, Lisbon, CT; Adam Peterson of West Hartford; Dallas Peterson, Newington, CT; Savanna Williams, Everett, Washington; Madison Williams and Cyrus Williams, VI both of Tacoma Washington; 16 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives.
In addition to her parents, Tempie was preceded in death by her husband Col. Cyrus L. Williams, IV the love of her life, her son Cyrus Williams V, her brothers Samuel Holman and William Holman, and her sister Katherine Fraiter.
A memorial service will be held November 22 from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Avenue, in West Hartford. Burial will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.molloyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Church, 571 Farmington Ave., Hartford, CT 06105.