A Celebration of Aurelia L. Williams' life will occur on
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Viewing 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Service at 11:00 am
Pinn Memorial Baptist Church
2251 N 54th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Interment: Ivy Hill Cemetery
AURELIA LOUISE WILLIAMS
Our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and friend entered this world on August 17, 1927 and departed to her heavenly home on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Aurelia had a Heart of gold, which was exemplified in her how she lived her life and raised her family.
She was born to the late James and Hattie Thorne. Her mother, Hattie, transcended while in child birth rendering baby Aurelia, an instant child of God. Her father was a railroad porter who was on the road and left the daily raising of Aurelia to Ms. Honey West, a close family friend.
Hone raised Aurelia as her own daughter in a loving home until her death. Subsequently, Aurelia would then move to New Jersey with her adopted family to complete her formal education. Aurelia began her collegiate career at Bennett College for women before transferring to Morgan State University. It was while at Morgan she met the love of her life Robert Williams, a handsome young man who served in the Army during WWII. They shared a 50 year union which was blessed with 5 children, 6 grand children and 3 great-grand children. Aurelia would often tell the tale of watching the love of her life stroll across campus in his tennis whites sporting blond hair and grey eyes. Her heart would belong to him all the days of her life as she proclaimed him “her friend”.
Robert and Aurelia began their marriage in Baltimore. Aurelia worked as a Secretary on Capital Hill, a crossing guard and substitute teacher. When opportunity arose in Philadelphia, the family relocated. Aurelia would become a homemaker where she took pride in the rearing of her children and supporting her family. Aurelia lived the proverb that a good woman serves her family to also serve God. Aurelia was affectionately called momma by her husband and children and personified the essence of motherhood.
In a world that saw problems, momma saw solutions waiting to be born. If one of her children had an issue with math, her solution was to buy a collection of math text books, teaching herself the lessons of the day, or perhaps consuming Shakespeare to assist with assignments. Whatever the need, she was there to help. All while keeping a beautiful home, featuring delightful meals, which all began with the reading of the 23rd Psalms.
Although known for dinner rolls which were light as air and colorful birthday cakes that could put a peacock to shame, kindness, love and grace were bountifully served at her table.
Holidays were special and filled with food, family and love. You could always count on a wonderful meal followed by a rousing game of pinochle. Family and the mantra of “yes I can” were woven through the tapestry of her life. Aurelia imparted this mantra to all her children because Faith was a cornerstone of Aurelia’s life.
After her children went off to high school, she began a career in nursing. Aurelia was dedicated to her patients. She adopted the healer’s creed, neither hurricane nor blizzards kept her from those who depended on her.
Her career was cut short, when her husband suffered renal failure. With the help of her children, she would nurse and keep him healthy for 20 years until his death.
She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age and maintained active church affiliation all her life. Her Christian faith was source of great comfort and hope. She began her Christian walk early in life in Portsmouth, VA and was faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church. She served as President of the Mite Missionaries who actively reached out to the sick and shut-ins of the church.
As President, the job was a challenge as it required knowledge of new technology such as computers and PowerPoint. She didn’t let that daunt her. She met that challenge head on with the “yes I can” attitude that served her so well. With the help of her daughter, Maxine, she mastered using the computer and also came to enjoy playing word puzzles and solitaire.
Aurelia’s final years were spent in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with her daughter Judy and son-in-law, Victor. Aurelia found deep comfort in her faith and the love of her family, which always surrounded her.
She was at home, surrounded by love and support in her final days. Her work is done. Her rest is earned. And, her life has been a template for her family to emulate.
She was predeceased in death by her husband Robert Alger and her sisters Elizabeth Branch, Catherine Brown and Eunice Thorne. Aurelia is survived by her 5 children Robert A. Williams Jr., Idella Williams, Maxine Chaplin, Judy Banks and Roger Williams; son-in-law, A. Victor Banks, daughter-in-law Fatima Williams; granddaughters Olivia Chaplin, Simone and Asha Banks, and Taylor Williams; grandsons Roger Jr. and Brian Williams; great-grand children Madison, Roger III, and Nuri Williams, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Lovingly submitted by her family
