Mrs. Thelma Pauline Williams, 82, peacefully entered eternal rest on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on September 13, 1943, in Eufaula, Alabama, Thelma was the youngest daughter of the late Frank Edmonds Jr. and Ruthie Mae Edmonds. She was a woman of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and steadfast devotion to her family.

On March 11, 1961, Thelma married the love of her life, John “Johnny” Williams Sr., in Cleveland, Ohio. Together they built a beautiful life founded on faith, love, perseverance, and partnership. Their union was blessed with two children, Regina and John Jr., who remained the center of her world.

Throughout their marriage, Thelma faithfully worked alongside her husband in several retail businesses. Together they demonstrated the true meaning of partnership, serving their customers with integrity, excellence, and genuine care. After retiring and relocating to Fort Gaines, Georgia, they fulfilled another dream by opening a men’s and women’s apparel store, where Thelma’s warm smile, welcoming spirit, and exceptional customer service made everyone feel like family.

Above all, Thelma was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She could always be found praying with and for others, offering words of encouragement, and extending a helping hand to anyone in need. Whether family, friend, neighbor, or stranger, she freely gave her time, compassion, and love. Her life was a reflection of Christ’s love, quietly touching countless lives through her kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart. While she took great pride in the businesses she helped build, her greatest joy was found in the love she poured into her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a trusted friend whose gentle spirit, compassionate heart, and unwavering support will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“Her greatest sermon was not preached from a pulpit but lived each day through her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and unconditional love for God and others.”

Thelma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John “Johnny” Williams Sr.; her parents, Frank Edmonds Jr. and Ruthie Mae Edmonds; her brothers, Joe Edmonds and Albert Ricks; and her sister, Annie Ruth Woodford.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted daughter, Regina Williams Hendrick (Robert); her loving son, John Williams Jr. (Cristal); her beloved sister, Mary Monroe Green; her cherished grandsons, John Williams III (Taylor) and Jordan O. Williams; her bonus grandsons, Thomas K. Hendrick and Matthew D. Hendrick; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love and kindness.

While our hearts are saddened by her passing, we rejoice in knowing that Thelma’s earthly labor is complete and she now rests peacefully in the loving arms of her Savior. Her legacy of faith, perseverance, compassion, unconditional love, and service to others will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
– Matthew 25:23