Though she was short in stature, she was never short in spirit. She carried a strength, personality, and presence that filled rooms, our hearts, and now our memories.

Deaconess Joan Crayton Elmer Williams

June 8, 1939 – September 8, 2026

Deaconess Joan Crayton Elmer Williams was born on June 8, 1939, in Corinth, Mississippi, to the late Elder George Crayton and Reverend Vera Franklin Crayton. She was one of nine children born to their union, growing up alongside Novella, Georgia, Ethel, Gladys, Irma, Leon, Clydale, and Elijah. Her childhood was spent in a vibrant home overflowing with love, lively energy, and the sweet noise that comes with a big family. Those early years helped shape the woman she would become—strong in faith, full of personality, deeply connected to her family, and never afraid to let you know exactly how she felt.

In 1943, at just four years old, the Crayton family moved from Mississippi to Cleveland, Ohio, where she was raised and attended John Hay High School. Cleveland became home, and it was there that she built a life filled with family, friendships, faith, and memories that would span more than eight decades. Though she was reunited in eternal rest with her parents and six of her siblings, the love they shared remains a cherished part of her story. She leaves behind a treasure trove of lifelong memories for those who knew and loved her, especially her devoted sisters, Georgia and Novella.

Faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted deaconess of The Church of the Living God, where she worshipped, served, and remained grounded in her relationship with the Lord. Her commitment to the church extended beyond the pews. When she was able, she could often be found helping in the kitchen, serving others in one of the simplest but most meaningful ways she knew how. Whether through her faith, her service, or simply being present, she gave what she could and remained connected to the church she loved.

She was also especially fond of her pastor, Bishop Pastor Penny, whom she and many others affectionately—and emphatically—called “HER Pastor.” That special relationship reflected both her deep faith and the personality that made her uniquely herself.

She was short in stature, but never short in spirit. Known for her spunky personality and unmistakable presence, she had a way of letting you know exactly how she felt. Those who knew and loved her will always remember her spark, her strength, and the attitude that made her truly one of a kind.

At a young age, she married Reverend Clarence Elmer, who preceded her in death. From that union came her two children, Theresa and the late Todd Elmer, who passed away on December 2, 2010.

Although she married and became a mother at a young age, she also built a working life of her own. She worked for the Cuyahoga County Department of Human Resources until she suffered a back injury on the job that ultimately required her to leave the workforce and go onto disability.

Later, she married the late Burrell Williams, who preceded her in death on August 23, 2025. Through that union, she was blessed with three stepchildren, Denise (Tom), Kimberly (Leonard), and Bruce, who became part of the family she loved.

Her greatest earthly blessing was her family. She was a beloved grandmother to Cara “Kiki,” Fallon (Carlton), Corey (Tamara), Andre, Tasha (Josh), Andrea, Tonya (Justin), Stacy, and Kelley (Justin). She cherished watching her family grow and treasured the generations that followed.

She especially cherished her “babies,” as she lovingly called her great-granddaughters, Cheyanne, the late Shannon, and Iris, who brought another generation of love and joy into her life.

As she entered her final days, the love she had spent a lifetime giving to her family came full circle.

Her daughter, Theresa, stepped away from work to devote herself to her mother’s care, comfort, and well-being. She made sure her mother was surrounded by love and never had to face those final days without her daughter by her side. Theresa gave her mother the priceless gift of her time, presence, strength, and unwavering devotion, making sure she was comfortable and cared for until the very end.

Her granddaughter, Cara “Kiki,” stood alongside her mother and became a driving force behind her grandmother’s affairs and care. She stayed on top of doctors, nurses, appointments, and every detail that needed attention. She asked the questions, made the calls, followed up, and made sure everyone involved in her grandmother’s care stayed on their toes. She advocated fiercely and made sure no need went overlooked.

Also present during this final chapter was Shaune’, her great-granddaughter and a nurse. She brought both her professional knowledge and her love for her great-grandmother to her care, helping tend to her needs and supporting the family as they made sure she was comfortable. Among the great-grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Grandma-ma,” a special name that reflected the love shared between them.

Together, Theresa, Cara, and Shaune’, along with many other family members and friends, helped ensure that her final days were filled with comfort, dignity, love, and the presence of family. Their devotion was a beautiful reflection of the love and connection she had spent a lifetime building.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, she peacefully took flight to be with the Lord at home. After 87 years of life, faith, family, work, service, and memories, she made her transition surrounded by the people who loved her.

Her legacy lives through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren, sisters, extended family, church family, and all those whose lives she touched. She leaves behind a family connected not only by blood, but by the love, faith, strength, and traditions she helped pass from one generation to the next.

Though her earthly journey has come to an end, she leaves behind something that cannot be measured in years: a family bound by love, a faith that carried her through every season, and memories that will continue in our hearts forever.

She has taken flight and gone home to be with the Lord she loved and served.

Rest peacefully, Deaconess Joan.

Your work here is finished.

Your love remains.

Your legacy lives on.

And your family will carry you forward.

Well done, good and faithful servant.