Sylvia J. Williams

Sylvia J. Williams was born on November 19, 1955, in Odessa, Texas, to the late Ovatria Ann and Henry Williams. The third of five daughters, she grew up alongside her sisters Vern, Ann, Gloria, and Lisa. Family was the heart of her life and in every decision she made. To her children, she was Mom, to her grandchildren, Grandma, and to her nieces and nephews, she was affectionately called Aunt Sylvie.

Sylvia studied homemaking very early in her education and found a joy for cooking. It was there that she discovered her obsession and love for pound cake. The simplicity of the ingredients really spoke to her taste. If someone said they made the best pound cake, Sylvia wanted to try it. No matter how far she had to drive to get it, and no matter the cost. That early joy for cooking became how she provided in & out of the home. Working over 30 years at Nordstrom in Oregon and at Emory University as a Dietitian Cook, winning countless awards and recognition along the way..

Always one to change up her look at any moment, Sylvia loved trying different hairstyles and often wished her hair was a little grayer each year (goal was pure white with a little blue). But no matter how she wore it, somehow a braid on the side and a bandana always seemed to appear.

Over the years, Sylvia made homes in California, Oregon; Colorado; Michigan; Alabama; and Georgia. Sylvia’s kindness, calm spirit, and subtle humor helped her make friends wherever she landed. Of all the places Sylvia lived, Atlanta became home. It was where she spent her final years, and more importantly, where all of her children and most of her grandchildren eventually came to live. Sylvia became more at ease once they were all in Atlanta. Having everyone close gave her comfort and peace, though it certainly didn’t stop her from checking on them. If she hadn’t heard from them in a day, she might start wondering if they were mad at her. But that was Sylvia, always wondering about her children.

Sylvia also had the joy of being G-Nanny to many of her grandchildren, supporting them day in and day out, even after exhausting days at work.. Her commitment to her grandchildren was unmatched. She wasn’t the typical grandmother. She cared for them as if they were her own, helping raise them,sharing her love of horses, teaching them the importance of Christ and sometimes even getting lost while chauffeuring them to appointments, which was just a little part of the adventures with Grandma.

If you ever heard “Oh…” followed by your name, “you knew she was done with you for the moment, or maybe you had simply gotten on her nerves. It may not seem like a funny thing to remember but it is a saying her family will truly miss..

Sylvia passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the music she loved with her daughter and caregiver, Kimberley, by her side.

She leaves to cherish her memory her five children: Patrice Butts, Kimberley Bradley, Sharah Rose, Kenneth B. Williams, and Karreem Williams; her grandchildren: Jatayvia, Javona, Mya, Skylar, Taylor, Tatyana, Tamia, Richard, Kingston, Kyndall, Madison, KJ, Kyle, Gregory, and Kylin; and her great-grandchildren: Rashawn, Callie’Rae, Ryan, Kobi, Jewel, Kairo, Elijah Trace, and Asai Lee.

She is also survived by her sisters, Vern E. Williams, Ann C. Boyd (Larry), Gloria Williams, and Lisa Jackson (Billy); her beloved aunts, Cleopatra S. Calloway (Howard) and Bettie Okonkwo; her former husband and dear friend, Kenny, who remained close to her throughout the years; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

May her soul and body get the rest she deserves for all the hard work she did on this earth.