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Essie Williams Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Essie Williams
Juanita Ali-Smith
July 9, 2025
Don't have any memories read about this awesome lady was born in Hepizah Georgia birth name Juanita Thurmond She was a relative
Rhonda Arnold
February 27, 2017
My heart and prayers are with the family.
Your father, Strom Thurmond was a great
educator and leader.
I contacted him over twenty years ago asking
him to write a letter of encouragement to my
Elementary Math class. He wrote a letter, included
A photo and also took the time to contact me
At school. I admire the love and devotion you
Had for your father.
God Bless
Paula Golden
June 25, 2015
A true solider!! You are a example to all how to live as a child of God. It is amazing to find out history in different ways,,you got your crown.
Angela Wallace
April 12, 2015
Rip, thank you for the talk we had. I will also treasured our picture we took together. My dear lady
January 30, 2014
In Loving Memory of Mother Dear
God called you home - 2/3/2013
In our hearts your are loved forever
You are missed in every way
Your life was a blessing to all
Your memory is a treasure
You are loved beyond words
and missed beyond measure
Love always
Your daughter Wanda
Khrystal Suggs
January 20, 2014
I pray Essie Mae is dancing in Heaven full of smiles & happiness! I didn't know Essie Mae though I have upmost respect for a sweet beautiful wonderful woman as I know she was & do what she did.
M. TERRY
March 25, 2013
SUCH A GRAND LADY TO KEEP A SECRET THAT MANY YEARS. COURAGE AND DEVOTION THIS FAITHFUL SERVANT SHOWED.RIP DEAR LADY.MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY OF DR ESSIE MAE WASHINGTON WILLIAMS.
March 13, 2013
"A Life well lived, a job by a faithful servant, well done - Rest in Peace, I did not know Mrs. Williams personally, I read her story and saw it on the news, I bought her book and read it - she was a beautiful person - on the inside and outside. Hazel Chisholm, Washington, DC
Cindie Watkins
February 15, 2013
Pure courage, strength, and class.
Rest in peace, Madame.
BRUCE A NORRIS
February 12, 2013
PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE LOSS OF SUCH A GRACIOUS LADY. SENATOR THURMOND WAS A GREAT MAN, I WAS CHOSEN AS A BLACK SC 10th GRADER, TO WORK IN HIS US SENATE OFFICE AS A PAGE IN 1982.
Nichelle Eggleston
February 12, 2013
R.I.P from the grand daughter of the late Louise Washington, of Coatesville, PA. I never met you Essie Mae, but my family has told me great stories of growing up with you in the family. I wish that I would have met you at some of the Washington Family reunions. But, I am happy that you and my grandmother will meet again in Heaven. RIP.
Lahoma Cornelius
February 12, 2013
I was at a loss for words to hear of your passing. I pray that you are rejoicing with the Father. I enjoyed my time in her presence. Cause she was so precious and a sweet lady. I will contine to pray for your family.R.I.H.P!! Rest In Heavenly Peace...
karen edgers
February 11, 2013
I remember the day your sweet mother was signing our books it was such a joy to be there and sharing that moment with you, we will never forget it. my God bless each of you keep you.
February 11, 2013
HAPPY ARE THE PEACEABLE,SINCE THEY WILL BE CALLED'SONS OF GOD."..MATT.5:9..SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS..MJ
LINDA JONES
February 11, 2013
May you rest in peace
Robert Randall
February 9, 2013
She was a gracious lady .with much dignity and respect and was a good example of how a person needs to live. May "GOD" keep her loved ones in his care. Respectfully,Robert Randall,Sr.
Elaine McGowens
February 9, 2013
Mrs. Washington-Williams, what are brave woman you were. I have always heard of Sen. Thurmond's black daughter as I live in SC. It was an "open" secret. I am truly sorry to hear of your passing may God bless you and your family. Rest in peace beautiful lady.
Jarrett Edwards
February 9, 2013
Mrs. Washington Williams, was a gracious woman, and a true Southern Lady, I am sorry for your loss.
Yolanda Woods
February 9, 2013
Your grace and dignity is an example to all. Rest well
February 8, 2013
RIP. Amen. In Jesus's Name.
Willene Dansby
February 8, 2013
Heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Essie Mae Washington Williams. She was a beautiful lady. May precious memories sustain you during these hours of bereavement.
Mrs. Willene Dansby
ANGELA WILLIAMS
February 8, 2013
rest in peace, it's over now
February 8, 2013
You are a inspiration to the people of South Carolina as you handle your life.
God bless you as you enter Heaven.God be with your family as they mourn your death. Rebecca Widener Shealey
Penny Williams
February 8, 2013
A beautiful, kind lady despite it all. May her soul live for eternity.
Angie Way
February 8, 2013
My prayers are with your family. What a beautiful woman
helen pointer
February 8, 2013
well done servant of the messiah
February 8, 2013
RIP..Mrs. Essie Mae Thurmond Washington-Williams
Roy and Norma Johnson
February 8, 2013
Thank you for being such a strong woman but in a quite gentle way. You are an inspiration to all.
MARTHA MEGGETT-HILL
February 8, 2013
RIP. MRS. ESSIE WASHINGTON-WILLIAMS. MAY YOUR FAMILY BE COMFORTED DURING THIS SAD OCCASSION.
Gregory West
February 8, 2013
I want to thank such an exemplary lady who has contributed so much with her courage-more than she would probably ever know. My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Rochelle Randolph
February 8, 2013
To Wanda and the Williams family.. My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family...May her precious memories be always in your hearts... Rochelle Randolph... Los Angeles, CA
February 7, 2013
With heartfelt sympathy for your loss-
May God give you comfort during this time-
Peace
McNulty, Reid, Hall, Williams, Davis Families
February 7, 2013
We love you and yours, gracious and beautiful child of God. We will never forget your faithfulness at the extremely emotional time of confession and pouring out your heart to God. You are free.
Kenneth, Estelle, Mark, Michelle & Stephen Ellis
February 7, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless you with peace knowing she is in Heaven.
Donna Wood
February 7, 2013
To the Williams Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. I was proud to know and serve your Mother. She was an exceptional lady. ([email protected])
Eunice Mayo
February 7, 2013
RIP
Gwen Conner
February 7, 2013
Family, may God give you comfort during this time. I never knew your mother but, I was so impressed with her when she came forward with her story. What a gracious woman. God has has added another beautiful rose to his bouquet. Cherish her memories as this will help you heal.
February 7, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Williams family on the passing of your dear loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.-RO.15:33
Geneva Mc
February 6, 2013
Condolences from the heart. Love
Daysell Chavis
February 6, 2013
With Heartfelt Sympathy. May God Bless the Williams family. I will always cherish her autograph I got when she gave it to me at our "Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc." Reception in Orangeburg. South Carolina.
Nancy McNichol
February 6, 2013
My heartfelt condolences on your loss of such a remarkable woman of substance. Hoping in time you will be comforted by memories and the knowledge of how blessed your family was to have her be your Mother. No doubt God has a special place for her courageous soul.
February 6, 2013
What a wonderful American,my sympathy to the family of Mrs.Essie Washington-Williams.
February 6, 2013
It is our deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of our cousin Essie Mae Washington-Williams. As we discovered, who she was to us, it is even more heartretching not to have met her in life. To her family, our cousins, may your mother be forever in your hearts as we too will always remember Essie Mae. God bless you all. Antoinette Butler Stevens (Accokeek, MD)
Angie Geib
February 6, 2013
It was a pleasure to meet and know her the last bit of her life. I am honored to have bent down on the floor to put a shoe on her foot. I will always remember our conversation about "common and uncommon names." I could tell she was a charming lady full of grace even though I knew her only a short time. I am praying for her family, and I'm blessed to have met her!
Lillian Lee
February 6, 2013
Rest in peace Mrs. Washington-Williams.What a lady of truth and grace.
Ms Lue Hagan
February 6, 2013
The Hagan Family of Shively,Kentucky
February 6, 2013
RIP Mrs. Washington-Williams
Concerned Citizen
February 6, 2013
I hope the family can have comfort from the words of Matthew 22:32, which reminds us that God "is a God, not of the dead, but of the living." Giving us a hope of seeing our loved one again in the near future.
City Councilor Brenda Pelham
February 6, 2013
Mrs. Essie Mae, a Lady of Grace and Dignity. Rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus. You have fought a good, quiet fight within and your grace carried you through. God's Blessings to your family. You represented our race, again, with dignity and grace.
diana b
February 6, 2013
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..what a wonderful women to have lived her life with such dignity.
Sharon Williams
February 6, 2013
May God bless and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Barbara Elam McLeod
February 6, 2013
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with during this difficult time.
February 6, 2013
My heartfelt condolences go out to the immediate and extended family of Ms. Essie Mae Washington-Williams. As she has crossed the bar (something we must all do at some point in life) we must accept God's will. Cherish the times you shared with her then loose her and let her go. Respectfully submitted by: Artemus Flagg, Ph. D., LPC - Charlotte, NC
L. Walters
February 6, 2013
Life is not as it should be but will be in the near future. I love this promise God has made; "for I myself know the thoughts that I am thinking towards you, thoughts of peace and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope" I hope this message with a promise from someone who "cannot lie" comforts you.~(Jeremiah 29:11; Titus 1:2)~
Kimtraila Williams
February 6, 2013
To: Essie Mae Washington Williams.
My heart is reaching out to you,
For what you're going through;
I'm thinking of your family frequently
And praying for your family too.
Let President Barack Obama know that through his email,fax,letter,phone,visit,that Kimtraila has given her sympathy to the loss of the family of Ms. Essie Mae Washington- Williams.
Lee Lail
February 6, 2013
I would like to let the family of Mrs. Williams that they are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. What a remarkable woman, to have gone through all of those years, without revealing the truth as to who her father was. She was a true lady with much class and dignity.
Jacqueline Vann
February 6, 2013
Elaine Mitchell
February 6, 2013
What an incredible strong woman. Although I did not know her personally, reading her book really helped me appreciate what strengths she had and what she endured growing up. What an inspiration. My deep sincerest sympathy to her family. She was certainly a woman of courage who although not publicly acknowledged by her paternal side, she lived her life to the fullest. May the God of Heaven remember you in his book of life.
February 6, 2013
Our condolences goes out to the Washington-Williams. May you "throw your burdens on our Creator and he will sustain you" during your time of grief.
Mary Smith
February 6, 2013
My sincere condoences to the Washington- Williams and Thurmond families. Your loved one will be missed. God reserves a peaceful, united place for all the meek ones (Psalms 37:10, 11; Acts 10:35).
February 6, 2013
My condolences to the Washington-Williams family, God is for us a refuge and strength a help that is readily during distresses. Psalms46:1
Atlanta, Ga.
Micheal L. Nesbitt
February 6, 2013
My sincere condolence to the family of a fellow SCSC Alum..Rest in Peace
Micheal L. Nesbitt
Burbank,CA.
Diane Brzycki
February 6, 2013
God has no care or prejudice of the color of your skin! May you rest in the glory of peace forever! My thoughts and prayers are with the family! Essie Mae is a part of history now, she will be missed!
February 6, 2013
RIP
Clara H. Cabey
February 6, 2013
To a remarkable woman and will continue to be anincredible role model for all. Now she is with God, the Father of all, inclusively.
February 6, 2013
God bless you and yours ~ Rest in peace.
February 6, 2013
Enjoyed visiting with her at assisted living in Irmo where we shared stories of our teaching careers. She was so smart and a keen observer of people. Very forgiving and a good role model.
Beth from Marietta, Ga
C.S
February 6, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richard Murphy
February 6, 2013
Surely a woman of courage was she...
B Walker
February 5, 2013
I pray for her family and they be encouraged by her legacy and may her legacy be entered as another piece of missing black history
Olive Marshall
February 5, 2013
What an amazing women. She is so beautiful. God Bless her Family. She will always Live in the Light.
Terralene Hall
February 5, 2013
Giving honor to our Lord gives me great pleasures to sign the book for special woman of love,courage and greatness.God bless her and her family.
T. P.
February 5, 2013
Dear Washington-Williams family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May "the peace of God that excels all thoughts" be with you. Phillipians 4:6, 7.
Charlene Colon-Evans
February 5, 2013
A very realistic woman!!
Sissy Coleman
February 5, 2013
I remeber seeing the inteview on tv years ago. To God be the glory.
Lane Family
February 5, 2013
What an astonishing woman, thank you for your life, now you are safe, with your fathers forever..GOD BLESS this family
Donna Marsh O'Connor
February 5, 2013
Her life was metaphoric of her time and our legacy. I wish only the best for her family, but I know they already have that. With love and respect,
Donna Marsh O'Connor
Abby
February 5, 2013
What a life. To have so much love in ones heart, after facing so much opposition, it's astonishing. Essie Mae was beautiful inside and out. I offer my condolences to her family. Draw comfort in knowing that soon we will be reunited with those we have lost. At that time there will no longer exist racism or suffering of any sort. For "God is not partial,but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him".
February 5, 2013
My condolences to your family during this time of grief. I were touched by what I read. ESSIE MAE will be missed. may the God of comfort help your family to endure.
Miles
February 5, 2013
May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. I wouldn't take nothing to have met this wonderful and accomplished lady. She was wise yet courageous. She was sensitive yet strong.
Bottle your memories of her and keep them close to your heart. Then pull them as you need to and share them with others.
God rest her soul forever more.
MOMMIE'S LAST BIRTHDAY WITH US 12 OCTOBER 2011
RONALD WILLIAMS
February 5, 2013
I'LL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN MOTHER. YOUR EVER LOVING SON RONNIE.
Barbara Marshall
February 5, 2013
Dear Miss Essie Mae.
You've touched so many lives by the life you lead. You've made us stronger, and made us think about what is really important. Family, thank you for sharing her with us.
February 5, 2013
Rest in peace. Jesus has said good job welcome home!
E Williams
February 5, 2013
She was admired and loved by many. Rest now in your heavenly home. God's peace be upon her family.
Burnell-Williams Family, Charleston, SC
G Fortune
February 5, 2013
There is surely a special place in heaven, for someone who carried their cross with such dignity. God Bless.
Allison Jernigan
February 5, 2013
Death Is a Doorway
On the “Wings of Death” the soul take flight Into the land where “There is No Night” for those,who believe with the savior said will rise in glory.
Though they be dead. So death comes to us just to “Open the Door” To the Kingdom of God and Life Evermore.
My prayer goes out to, Essie Mae Washington Williams Family
~Allison Jernigan~
Patricia Poole
February 5, 2013
Condolences
Ms. C
February 5, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Eugene McDougal
February 5, 2013
Growing up with your sons, Julius and Ronnie in Coatesville (Newlinville)) you were well liked and respected by the kids in the neighborhood. I remember you and my mother being very good friends.
May you Rest In Peace.
February 5, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 5, 2013
To a bold woman rest peace
Min. Michele Seymour
February 5, 2013
Rest in peace dear Lady, Reading about your life was so interesting. I hope now you will have eternal peace because you are dearly loved by our creator. May our Heavenly Father comfort your love ones at this time.
S Tedder
February 5, 2013
Rest in peace to such a brave woman. I read your memoir and simply loved it. May God be with your family at this time.
D.J. WALLACE
February 5, 2013
WHAT A WOMAN!! TO NOT BE BITTER & FULL OF HATRED UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. I HOPE I CAN ONE DAY BE AS FORGIVING AS HER. MAY GOD BLESS YOU DURING THIS PAINFUL TIME. THIS TOO SHALL PASS.
Christine Gibson
February 5, 2013
Family
No heart as big as hers can now be found, she laid it all down for family and now she is in Gods' arms. What a LADY! Thank you for opening many folks eyes.
Sincerely
Emma Jean
February 5, 2013
Take comfort for God has, "put our tears in a skin bottle and written them down in his book."--Ps.56:8
May God give you peace today and the days to come.
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