Mary Ellen Williams was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 15, 1929. She was the third of five children born to the union of Mary Ida Griffin Williams and Calvin James Williams, Sr. Mary Ellen completed her earthly journey on February 4, 2018 in Long Beach, California. She was predeceased by her parents, by her brothers, Calvin James Williams, Jr. and Dr. Barry E. Williams, Sr., by one sister, Joyce Mae Williams Jones, and by one nephew, Leo Elston Jones. A precocious child, Mary Ellen attended Virginia Barnes private elementary school where she received a very comprehensive and accelerated education; and after attending McDonogh 35 Senior High School, she entered Dillard University at age fourteen. At Dillard she joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. At age eighteen, Mary Ellen embarked on an illustrious teaching career that lasted 44 years. She taught for 4 years in Orleans Parish Schools and then for 40 continuous years at Valena C. Jones Elementary School in New Orleans. Active in the National Association of University Women, she served for two terms as chapter President and one year as the Regional Director. A lifelong member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Mary Ellen was director of the Children's Choir and Superintendent of the Sunday school for more than 50 years. Within the National Baptist Training Union and Sunday School Congress she was an instructor in the Sunday School Superintendents' Department for 30 years in various parts of the country. Mary Ellen lived nearly her entire life in New Orleans. When her sister, Joyce, died in 1999, she became a "second mother" to her nephew, Leo Elston Jones, AKA Sparty. When Sparty passed away in 2015, Mary Ellen moved to California to be with her sister, Althea, and her family. To her entire family, she freely gave of her love, her time, her talent and her finances whenever and wherever she was needed. Mary Ellen lived life fully. She loved God. She loved her church. She loved children. She enjoyed travel, gardening and all family activities. She is survived by her loving sister, Althea L. Woods (Eugene) and nieces, Janna Woods of Carson, Calif.; Julie Woods of Wrentham, Mass.; nephews Calvin J. Williams, III, Terrol M. Williams, Sr. and Herbert J. Williams, of New Orleans, LA; Sister-in-law, Mrs. Ora Williams, nephews Dr. Barry E. Williams Jr, Dr. Frederick E. Williams, Col. Ralph E. Williams and niece, Miss Sharon Elaine Williams, of Tuskegee Institute, Alabama; and many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 3219 Danneel Street, New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 am, followed by Interment at St. Vincent Cemetery #2, 1950 Soniat Street, New Orleans, LA 70115. The Viewing will be open to everyone from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Feb. 15 to Feb. 18, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Williams

Sponsored by Rhodes Funeral Home - Washington Avenue.

17 Entries

Carol Blanchard

February 21, 2018

I read all of the comments. and. All are so true. If we could all follow suit

Myra Carter Foxworth

February 19, 2018

I attended Valena C. Jones. Miss M.E. Williams was just one of our excellent educators. I remember that she had a beautiful singing voice plus I think she was one our scout leaders.

I appreciate your dedication because of educators like we received an excellent foundation.

To her family please accept my sincerest sympathy.

Sharon Rucker

February 18, 2018

Mrs. M. E. Williams was also my teacher at Valena C. Jones and to add to it, The absolute best teacher I ever had. My prayers are with the family, as she will be deeply missed.

Elizabeth Guillory

February 17, 2018

We extend our prayers and condolences to you your family Liz and Mitzi Guillory

Cousin Grace Hackett Berry (Lylian) and Family

February 17, 2018

Many thanks, appreciation, and love for Mary Ellen and all that she has inspired, taught, and invested into our family. She is truly loved and will be missed immensely by us. We shall all meet again.

CHERYL D MCLEOD

February 17, 2018

MAY THE MEMORIES OF MARY ELLEN WILLIAMS BRING HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS COMFORT.

Beryl Gauthier

February 17, 2018

Condolences to the Williams family. Ms. Williams was my sixth grade teacher at Jones School many years ago. She was a great teacher that cared about her students. I learned a lot from her. Sorry to hear of her passing.

L. Saloy

February 17, 2018

My condolences to the family.Ms. M. E. Williams was a great role model for me as a young teacher. The Jones School family can still hear her unique voice and see her beautiful smile. Gone to Glory, but never forgotten.

Carol Paxton

February 17, 2018

I will truly miss Sis Williams as I have known since I was a very small child and a good friend to my. Mom Sis Julia Blanchard..

Anne Collins Smith

February 16, 2018

Thank you for being such a beam of light in my life Miss Williams.

Anne Collins Smith

February 16, 2018

The following acccompanies the video I submitted:

Mary Ellen Williams, I speak your name.

When my Mommy died, I did not want to deal, at all. I did not want to see anyone. Soon after, the doorbell rang. My Daddy said I had company. I put on my robe and went to the living room. It was Mary Ellen Williams my very first mentor. She would be the first person to elicit a smile from me. The fact that she thought so much of me, as I hadn't seen her in years, meant the world to me. She told me how my Mommy would bring me to sorority meetings and how pretty, well dressed, and well cared for I was.

What I didn't know was that she was caring for her nephew who was battling terminal cancer at the time. The fact that she made time, for "me," brings tears to my eyes still. For her immense generosity in her time of trial, I am conversely exalted and humbled.

What my Mommy didn't expose me to Mary Ellen Williams did. Everything cultural. For the opportunities I may not have now I harbor comfort from her early exposure. I've written Miss Williams several times telling her how much she inspired me. Neglecting her own well-being while caring for her nephew she had to move to California to be cared for by her sister. I think I sent one more note. I pray she got it. She meant the world to me.

She is now an ancestor at the Elysian Fields.

During that visit Miss Williams brought me an orange kalenchloe plant and I told her how much I loved it because of their abundant and intricate blooms. I kept it at my bedside as I struggled to deal with my mother's death. At least when I opened my eyes I would see a thing of beauty.
Little known fact: In the eighties there were two little girls in New Orleans who were known to have the voices of angels, one was Ledisi and the other, yours truly. Miss Williams was one of the leaders of the children's choir at my childhood church.

She nurtured so many of my gifts. I pray I've used my gifts well when I have been able to.

Dr. Linda Fortenberry

February 16, 2018

Sis. Williams played a great role in my Christian Education. She was an icon at St. Mark. She was firm in her faith and consistently worked to train young people. I'll always remember her and our trips to the national conventions. Well done good and faithful servant.

Beatrice Thompson

February 16, 2018

Prayers going up to Mary Ellen family and church family! Before my mom passed away she promised her to look after me and my children. I thank God he allowed her into our lives, her love for me and my family was unconditional love. RIP Mary Ellen Williams, you will always be in our hearts! Love and prayers Beatrice Thompson and family!

February 16, 2018

My former teacher was one of the most compassionate individuals I have ever known at V.C. Jones. Prayers for the family.
M. Jackson - NOLA

Maj. Tomeca Tillis

February 15, 2018

Praying that our Lord will comfort you all. With Love,
Tomeca

Min. Hardy Davis, Jr.

February 15, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sis. Mary Ellen Williams. I was the organist at The St. Mark Baptist Church were Sis. Williams served for many many years. She will be missed by many. I will be praying for the family.

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