Willa "Tina" Williams

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Those who have known Willa Williams have been blessed.  Fondly known to family and friends as Tina, Willa touched others with love, compassion and forgiveness.  She educated others not just by what she knew and understood, but by her presence and her conduct.  Willa placed a high value on family, on education, and on building bridges of understanding using the tools of love, compassion and forgiveness.

On more than one occasion Willa tackled the challenging job of sponsoring her family’s reunion in Cincinnati.  Each time she did it with a smile, each time with elegance, each time with an outward calmness that made it look easy.  And these were no “dozen hotdogs on the grill, get-n-split reunions;” these were weekend long celebrations of how to share and to love others.  She taught us well.

Three times I was a conference speaker at the University of Cincinnati.  Despite her schedule, I could always look up and find Tina (I have to call her Tina because now it’s personal).  I could always look up and see her smile, hear her applause, and even catch her giving a menacing look toward someone who was not cheering her cousin on.  She taught me well.

Always a source of strength, always a source of support, always a source of pride, always setting a standard for others to reach for, always demonstrating how to reach down and help others, that was Tina.

We will miss her, but we must keep in mind that if we wish to honor her, we must become even greater extensions of her love for family, for education, for community.  I am convinced it is no coincidence that her untimely passing occurred so soon after a memorable 38^th Family Reunion which she attended, a passing that occurred the same week as the announcement of our 39^th Family Reunion, and within a week of a strategic planning meeting for our 40^th Family Reunion in the city in which the reunion was founded.  I have to believe that in this final exam, Tina is reminding us that the family that prays together stays together.  We have been dutifully charged to tear down any walls that may exist and build and strengthen the bridges of hope and understanding.

I am confident that on this graduation day for such a much loved and well respected educator, Tina’s diploma reads “Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant.”

Remarks written by Henry Ford, and delivered by Emmanuel Lawrence
during Willa's Homegoing Services.

A Few More Remarks . . .

September 24, 2011
Such sad news for our family. Praying that God comforts us all.
Ebony Custer Gray
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September 24, 2011
In agreement with Ebony. We are thankful for all of our time with Tina, especially at this year's family reunion.
Jean and Emmanuel
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September 28, 2011
This weekend we pay loving tribute to the late Willa "Tina" Williams. We are grateful for her life and thankful for all the time we spent with her, especially at the family reunion in Los Angeles just two months ago. This photo, taken just prior to the dinner dance, is courtesy of Rasool Jackson. R.I.P., cousin Tina.
Jean and Emmanuel
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September 29, 2011
Tina was the center of my life, always cheerful and so much fun to be around, I am blessed to have shared my childhood and adult days with her. I thank her for being that strong support in my life, I will miss you my cousin, but most of all My Friend.
Ron Andrew