Nellie B. Williams

RACINE - Nellie B. Williams, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2026. Nellie was born on March 26, 1933 to Nancy Gates and Richard Burgess in Shannon, MS. She was the only girl and held her own with her four brothers whom she loved dearly. Nellie migrated to the north in hopes of a better life. This is where she formally met the love of her life Jack Williams. They were married on December 5, 1964 until his death on February 17, 2001. Nellie and Jack were made for each other. Jack loved to go on the water and fish while Nellie liked to stay on the shore to make sure Jack made it back and that he didn’t fall asleep and float off somewhere. Nellie loved to talk on the phone with friends and was super excited when the cordless phone was made! In the words of her loving husband, “There’s no stopping her now!” Nellie loved to spend time with her family and laughing at Jack’s “Johnny Carson jokes” as well as watching the soaps! Everyone knew to be quiet and watch The Young and the Restless, As The World Turns and Guiding Light! Nellie worked at the Southern Wisconsin Center formerly known as Southern Colony where she loved working with the patients that lived there. She referred to them as God’s special angels. Nellie had to retire due to disability in 1986. Nellie loved cooking and she was known for her delicious pound cake and delectable greens. Nellie was serious about her cakes. She was the only person that was allowed to cut her cake. Once on a road trip she made a pound cake for her cousin. The cake surely had to weigh more than a pound, but it made it all the way to Okolona, MS. Once she delivered the cake she had to be the first person to cut it. Side note: If you did not participate in holding the cake on the ride you did not get a slice of cake. Nellie also had a green thumb and had a beautiful vegetable garden until it became too much for her. There was nothing better than getting food from the garden and having a part of it for dinner. Nellie was a faithful member of New Omega Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Fred L. Richmond. As a member of the Mothers’ Board, she was affectionately known as Mother Williams. Mother Williams was also known for her fashion sense. She had a hat for every outfit. She was coordinated from head to toe from her hat to her suit, gloves, shoes and jewelry. Mother Williams believed looking her best when it came to going to the House of the Lord. She also served on the kitchen committee for many years making sure that members and guests were fed and nourished for the evening services. Nellie will be missed for her beautiful smile and her no nonsense advice to her family. She would say to her children to always reach for the stars. She leaves her children to cherish her memories, Betty Clark, Kenneth (Pam) Williams, Cynthia (Lamar) Dismuke and Gregory (Maydell) Williams. Nellie also has numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren along with nieces, nephews, other family and friends, too many to name. She also leaves her special niece, Ruby Nell (Carnell) Johnson and her lifelong friend of over 60 years, Georgia Hamilton. Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Williams; her son Andre “Billi Dee” Williams, daughter, Bobbette Pearson; grandchildren, Leslie Billups and Dominick Williams; her brothers, Roosevelt “Pap” (Emily) Harris, Harold “Hal” (Johnie Mae) Sykes, Richard “Nute” Burgess and L.T. “Sonny” Shannon. Special thank you to Aurora Hospital and Aurora Hospice Care for their kind care and compassion. Nellie's memorial service will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time, with Rev. Fred L. Richmond officiating. Nellie will be laid to rest with her husband at Graceland Cemetery.

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Nellie B. Williams

March 26, 1933 - March 13, 2026