Lois Marie Williams was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 24, 1938, to Thaddeus Hammonds and Betty Jean Clark. She was the eldest in a sibship of three, including Laurali Benning, and Thaddeus (Tojo) Jr. She attended the Cleveland Public Schools System. She was a lifelong East Tech Scarab. Throughout her life she was a voracious reader, and a good student with a flair for art sewing and needlework. Lois was a woman of many titles: She was mommy to the seven children, she was Aunt Lois to some, grandma to others, and very giving to all who knew her.

In the late 50’s, she met and fell in love with Walter E. Williams Sr. on 57th Street; the two remained married for over 50 years. Together they raised seven challenging children. The family would not be where it is today if they did not have her for their mother. She could be your biggest cheerleader and, your biggest critic; whether she was slathering tincture of methylate on a cut or telling you to, “Buckle Down and do your homework”. Lois was a kind, loving, and giving woman who always put the needs of her family first. Her door was always open to whomever may come. You knew you were always welcome to a plate in the kitchen and maybe some cake to go with it.

Lois was a housewife until all the children were in school, then she embarked on a career in the Cleveland Public School System. Using the skills she sharpened raising her children to support, encourage, and educate elementary through high school students at various schools throughout the east and west sides of the city. She was always there for friends and family to hem pants, bake pound cake, or help to complete the science fair project. She was a woman of strong faith and instilled in us the importance of family, hard work, doing what’s right because, “God don’t like ugly.”

After she retired from the Board of Education, Lois continued to love and support her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved babies, and every new baby always got a crochet blanket. If you stopped by on a holiday you could get a feast for a king. Through the years, many friends and relatives enjoyed her warmth and unpretentious hospitality. She passed away on January 28, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter E. Williams Sr.; her parents, Thaddeus Hammonds Sr., and Betty Jean Clark; her brother, Thaddeus Hammonds Jr.; and her son, William Hammonds.

Mommy had a way of adopting people into our extended family: Herman Childs enabled Mommy to maintain her independence, Dionne Christian who always answered Mommy’s calls and the entire CDC family.  You all are forever a member of our extended family.  Mommy faced multiple health challenges in her retirement years always with faith, dignity and, integrity. Her longevity was due in no small part to the support of our sister Melinda who despite her own physical limitations provided Mommy with superlative care most able bodies would be severely challenged to equal. Here’s to a life well lived a job well done. You have shown us how to love and to live even how to die with dignity. We will love you forever. Respectfully Submitted, The Family