Ms. Margarite R. Williams
Mrs. Margarite Rodgers Williams entered eternal rest on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at her home, 207 Jordan Street, after celebrating 78 years of life. She was the third of nine children born to the late Guy & Cora Rodgers on February 1, 1940. Her husband, the beloved L. W. Williams of 47 years preceded her in death in 2013. Five siblings, Forrestine Pleasant, Ernestine Benson, Willie Boykins, Eddie Williams Sr., and George Rodgers also preceded her in death. Mother Williams was educated in the Conecuh County Training Schools, Class of 1957. She later studied at Ed Reid Technical College for Licensed Practical Nursing & Selma University studying Theology.
From the time that she was a child, she was trained to be a spiritual leader and teacher as a member of Mt. Zion AME Zion church. She later joined Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist and remained a member until the Lord called her home. As a member, she was a worker for the vineyard until her health inhibited. Mother Williams served faithfully in the following capacities: Sunday School teacher, Missionary Society, Matron Society, Senior Choir member, and Church Decorator. Her work for the kingdom extended beyond the church, as founder of the Evergreen Bible Band, in 1979. Additionally, she was the president and member of two gospel singing groups: The Evergreen Gospel Airs and the Inspirational Spiritual Singers. “May the work that she has done, speak for her”.
Mother Williams had a genuine love for the youth and her community. This was demonstrated as she and her husband established Johnsonville’s first baseball and softball teams in the late 60’s. To this day people still talk about the Johnsonville teams and how good they were. She had the trust of the parents as she and her husband took the teams near and far distances to simply play ball. She was also a member of the NAACP and was a recipient of the Community Service Award in 1996. Moreover, she was a caregiver for several members within her family and neighborhood. She was affectionately called “MOM”.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories her children, Aundra (Larry) Jackson of Radcliff, KY, Juanita (Ezell Jr.) Culliver, of Evergreen, AL, Thomas (Karen) Rodgers, of Montgomery, AL, Gifford Rodgers, of Evergreen, AL, Lewis (Margaret) Floyd, of Brewton, AL, Philander Rodgers, Destry Williams, of Montgomery, AL, Inger (Harry) Ferguson, of Lexington, SC; 26 Grandchildren, 26 Great-Grandchildren; 2 Godchildren: Nikki Marshall and Jansen Samuel; two loving sisters: Geraldine Rodgers of Evergreen, AL, and Julia (John) Murphy of Castleberry, AL; two loving brothers: Roy (Ann) and James (Odessa) Rodgers of Montgomery, AL; four sisters-in-law: Queen (James L.) Benjamin, of Central Islip, NY, Gwendolyn Hawthorne, of Brewton, AL, Lilliam and Shirley Williams, of Brewton, AL; six brothers-in-law: L.B. Williams, of Evergreen, AL, Robert (Barbara) Williams, of Navarre, FL, Calvin Williams of Evergreen, AL, Velicie (Sue) Williams of Pensacola, FL, Clifford (Wanda) Williams of Evergreen, AL, and Arthur Williams of Brewton, AL; Barbara Hall, special care giver; a host of nieces, nephews, other loved ones and friends. Her family will miss her more than words can express, but we know that she has fought a good fight, she has finished her course, and she has kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give him at that day: and not to him only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4: 7-8.