Pearl I Williams

Pearl Irene Williams was born May 10, 1927 to the union of Paul and Alberta Smith, Sr. in Homa, LA. She was the sixth of eight children born to this union. Pearl grew up in the small town of Homa, LA under adverse circumstances in the deep south, but there was nothing that took away the light of love that God placed in her heart. Pearl confessed Christ at an early age and accepted him as her Lord and Savior and was baptized into the family of New Salem Baptist Church. This began her Christian journey, a life of meekness, love and dedication to God and man. Pearl loved playing church. Her brother, Dan, was the preacher, Pearl was in the “Amen Corner” and their younger siblings were the congregation. Even under the various harsh conditions, she only focused on being what God wanted her to be. During her time at Homa Colored High school, she kept a song in her heart. After she completed school, she moved to East Chicago, IN. in 1945. She secured a job at Albert Givens Manufacturing Company in East Chicago, IN along with her sisters.

In the early part of her fifties, Pearl met and fell in love with a young man whole stole her heart. On August 9, 1952 they were wed and became Mr. & Mrs. Frank Williams. To this union, five children, Franklin Dean, Florence Ann, Paul Leonard, Yvonne Joyce, and Robert Louis Williams, were born. In 1954, Pearl reaffirmed and strengthened her belief in God by joining, through baptism, Mizpah Seventy-day Adventist Church. Later she joined Bethel SDA Church in East Chicago, IN, where she held her membership until her transition.

In Pearl’s pastime, her interest including working in her yard, growing plants and flowers, crocheting and quilting, and her favorite, was her bible study hour. She would often say, “I’m making sure I’ll be ready when Jesus comes.” She was also a lover of old time gospel music and when she was around her niece Pam, she sang for her and she would say “Oh yeah, yeah. I like that one too.”

Pearl departed this life on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 12:33 pm at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago IN, with her granddaughter, Danita, by her side.

Pearl is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Alberta Smith, Sr.; her loving husband of 34 years, Frank Williams and her children Franklin Dean, Florence Ann, Paul Leonard, Yvonne Joyce. She leaves to cherish her memory one son, (Retired),Sergeant First Class Robert L.(Nina)Williams; one sister Ellen Gibbs of Hammond IN; Ten grandchildren Latonza (Sean) Owens of Merrillville, IN, Dana Emery of Denver CO, Felicia Williams of East Chicago, IN, Keenan (Tasha) Williams, of Phoenix AZ, Keon Williams, of Phoenix AZ, Danita Williams (Ary-Ana Jackson) of East Chicago, IN, Jessica Key (Autumn) of Indianapolis, IN. Damson Williams, LaTyna Williams and LaToya Williams all of Columbia, SC. 11 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; good friends Geraldine Clark and Maurice Gibson and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

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