Henrietta Williams (“Ret” to family) was born on June 19, 1932 in Mayslick, Kentucky, to Charles and Ellen Ramsey. She grew up on a farm with her parents and siblings: older sister, Virginia, and younger siblings William Grant and Mary Ruth. Ret’s mother took care of the home and helped ends meet by taking in laundry for many of the townspeople. Ret’s father was a talented carpenter. He built houses, furniture, and just about everything in between. He was also known for concocting herbal treatments and liniments that his children dreaded. Growing up during the depression did not permit the Ramsey family to obtain a surplus of material possessions, however, they were happy and content.

Henrietta did well in school and graduated from John G. Fee High School in

Maysville as class valedictorian. After high school, Ret attended Mercy Hospital Nursing School in Portsmouth Ohio earning her nursing degree as a Registered Nurse.

After graduating from nursing school, Henrietta moved to Cleveland Ohio where she began work as a Public Health Nurse. Patients who were fortunate enough to have Henrietta as their nurse often spoke of her calming and healing touch.

During those early years as a young nurse in Cleveland, Henrietta met Beryl Williams. Beryl liked to tell the story of meeting Henrietta for the first time. For him, it was love at first sight. Struck by her beauty at a party, he asked a friend her name. He spoke to her at the party and asked her to come to his upcoming birthday party. Ret replied that she already had a date that evening. Beryl, not one to be daunted, replied “Bring him along”. The rest is history. Beryl and Henrietta married in October of 1957. They had four children. They were married for 65 years until Beryl’s death in April of 2023.

Henrietta was a reserved and dignified woman. In response to remarks regarding her quiet nature, she was heard to say “You learn more when you listen.” Indeed, not much escaped Henrietta’s quick mind.

In addition to being a loving and attentive mother, Henrietta enjoyed gardening, reading, working puzzles, and traveling.

Henrietta also enjoyed civic engagement in Cleveland Heights, where she resided for over 50 years. Ret was a “stay-at-home” mom until her youngest finished elementary school. However, she kept busy and was active with the Millikin Elementary School PTA and volunteered at the school library. Ret was also active with the Heights Community Congress and the Heights Housing Service. Her volunteer work with the Housing Service included driving prospective Cleveland Heights homebuyers around the city to view houses, with an eye towards integration. During her many years in Cleveland Heights, Henrietta was also active in the Cleveland Heights Democratic Party. She often worked as a poll worker at the local voting precinct. She and women in her neighborhood also convened in each other’s homes to discuss the burgeoning women’s rights movement. Many of the women were educated, stay-at-home mothers who felt constrained and frustrated by the sexist patriarchy.

On July 17, 2023, Henrietta passed away surrounded by family. She went on to glory peacefully and gracefully.

Left to mourn her passing are her children, Donna Williams-Alexander (Ron Alexander), Cheryl Williams, Ricky Williams, and Linda Williams-Fleming (James Fleming, Jr.). She also leaves five grandchildren, Lauren Alexander, Bradley Alexander, Trey Fleming, Max Fleming, and Lucas Fleming. Also mourning is her devoted sister (Ruth French) and a host of loving nieces and nephews.