A Treasured Glimpse into the Life of Annie Iola Williams

Annie Iola Williams, affectionately known as "Ann," entered the heavenly gates with praise and thanksgiving on February 16, 2023. She was born October 6, 1954 in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina to the late Fred M. Williams and the late Rev. Nettie M. Williams. She was educated in the Harnett County Public School System during her early years and was a faithful member of Chalk Level CME Church.

In 1970 the family moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where she attended Enloe High School and joined Young Missionary Temple CME Church. It was during her high school years when she acknowledged her need for a deeper relationship with God and dedicated her life to Christ. She served faithfully in several ministries at Young Missionary including as a Sunday school teacher, children's church leader, and a gospel choir member.

Upon graduating from Enloe, she attended Saint Augustine's College, where she flourished spiritually and academically. She was one of the founding members of the college's Christian fellowship. During her sophomore year, she felt a need for Christian students to be united together as a non-denominational body to uplift and glorify God. As other dedicated students worked faithfully with her, the Alpha Eta Omega Christian Fellowship was established. Shaw University's Fellowship that was already in existence was instrumental in providing guidelines for the constitution. Throughout the years this Christian Fellowship sponsored numerous services on campus including prayer services, revivals , campus witnessing, distribution of food and clothes to those in need , and among others. Ann received numerous honors including Who's Who Among Students at American Universities and Colleges, the Dean's List, a Certificate of Merit for Academic Achievement, and a Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Contribution to the Religious Life of Saint Augustine's College. In 1976, Ann graduated magna cum laude from Saint Augustine's with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education.

Ann's professional career as a teacher and counselor spanned 37 years beginning with Willow Springs Elementary School, Willow Springs, North Carolina where she was a kindergarten teacher until 1991. During her tenure at Willow Springs, she earned a Master in School Counseling from North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina. Thereafter, she went on to work as a counselor at Westbrook Middle School, Raleigh, North Carolina for four years, and then relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1995 to become a counselor at South Fork Elementary School. That same year Ann joined St. Peter's  Church and World Outreach Center and experienced exponential spiritual growth as she faithfully served in various ministries. Some of these ministries were Prevailing Prayer, the choir, the We Care House, the Go Ministry (Vision Leader), the Evangelism Team, and the Greeter's Ministry.

Ann had a deep love for children and after retiring in 2015, she continued pouring into the lives of children. She volunteered for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and worked as a teacher assistant for Child Evangelism Fellowship and as a Reading Buddy. In addition, she read to children at the Salvation Army once a week.

Ann was a rare jewel who walked this earth. She expressed a deep compassion and love for everyone she met, and her spirit radiated kindness and peace. She was deeply devoted to God, and when she had to make a decision (great or small), she would always respond, "I just want to be in God's will." She was also a prayer warrior like none other, who prayed for persons and situations, on the spot, wherever she was. We were truly blessed to have had this angel among us for 68 years.

Ann was preceded in death by sisters, Freddie Murchison and Susie Mims. She leaves to cherish her memory , sisters, Minister Arnetta Robinson (Linell) of Garner, NC and Dr. Karen Williams of Winston-Salem, NC; brothers, Lewis Williams, Rev. Fred Williams (JoAnne), Rev. Kenneth Williams, and Carlis Williams (Beverly), all of Raleigh, NC; aunts, Ruby Brown (Bill) of Suffolk, VA and Willie Constance McGregor of New Haven, CT; uncles, Jerry McGregor (Debra), Matthew McGregor (Algie), and David McGregor (Hannah), all of Raeford, NC; brother-in-law, Junious Murchison of Raleigh, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ann was a friend, mother figure, and big sister to many. She leaves to cherish her memory, faithful friends, Gloria Dunn, Lillie Bitting, and Debbie Woodson; devoted godchildren, Nicole Williams, Tevin Williams, Marlena Green, Lamont Green, Teairrah Green, and Pamela Green; and loving little sisters, Karen Hansley and Constance Archie.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, February 24, 2023 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Saturday, February 25, 2023 at St. Peter's Church & World Outreach Center.  The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Saturday at the Church.

Interment will be held at 12:00noon Monday, February 27, 2023 at Carolina Biblical Gardens Raleigh, NC.

The Homegoing service can be live streamed at the links below beginning at noon:

https://spwoc.online.church/

https://youtube.com/@SPWOCTV