Joan Elizabeth Williams

Joan Elizabeth Williams, affectionately known as “Joanne” was born on April 3, 1940, the eldest child of the late Thurman and Elizabeth Williams in Augusta, Georgia. Her life began with a diagnosis of a severe Vitamin D deficiency that impacted her bones and caused her feet and toes to be shaped abnormally, and worried her family that her mobility would be impacted indefinitely. Resilience became a theme to her life as she was nurtured by her grandmother with goat’s milk, sunshine, cod liver oil, and constant prayer. She thrived to become an active child, who loved to dance, socialize and embrace life. She was raised in a strict home and attended a private Catholic school in Augusta, GA. Her curiosity, assertiveness, and commitment to excellence could not and would not be denied. In 1959, she moved to Washington, D.C. in search of new opportunities and found the warm support of her beloved Aunt Sadie and Uncle Ernest (Williams), who became surrogate parents to her until their deaths in 1987 and 2012, respectively. After enduring a great tragedy in 1967 which resulted in the loss of four of her young children, she relied on prayers, resilience and determination to keep her standing. Joanne lost another child in 1985, who was 13 at the time of his passing, and though she grieved with a mother’s broken heart, she did not give up, and turned her attention to mothering and caring for her surviving children.

She joined the federal government as a clerk for the Environmental Protection Agency and was continually promoted to Administrative Officer, a role she held when she retired after 45 years of exemplary service. Joanne was very proud of her career and one of her favorite sayings was “You’re not going to make me lose my good government job.” She received numerous excellent performance evaluations, which led to monetary awards. Joanne was also an advocate for justice and democracy and was an election worker in her community for several years. She avidly watched national and local news, even from her sick bed, and always had an opinion about who was getting the story right. She had a special fondness for the Royal Family, especially the late Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth. This led to her habit of drinking tea, enjoying scones, and appreciating ceremony and order.

Joanne accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and was a faithful attendee at East Friendship Baptist Church until COVID and declining health intervened. However, she watched online when she could and throughly enjoyed when church members came to visit. She spent her last few years encouraging her big circle of family and friends with a daily text message, that was uniquely written for each individual, and there were at least 70! She was blessed to travel, and especially loved cruises, with the Mediterranean Cruise being her favorite. Through all of her life challenges and accomplishments, she confessed that her love of God, pride in her children and grandchildren, and the beautiful memories shared with family and loyal friends were the greatest joys of her life. An avid reader, she was passionate about education and completed several semesters at Southeastern University. She was a gifted storyteller, full of fun and optimism, a cheerleader for everyone’s dreams, and found beauty in places and spaces that no one else could see.

On the morning of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, Joanne went home to live eternally with her Lord. She was preceded in death by her beloved children, Michael Anthony Jones, Dwayne Edward, Pamela Faith, Adrienne Yvonne Finch, and Christessly Delphina Shouff, two grandchildren, India Nicole Jackson and Sgt. Andre Stewart, Jr., three siblings Tony Williams, Azalee Wilson, and Daryl Williams. She leaves to mourn her passing, her beloved children, Mark (Dora) Williams, Cyntia (Bishop Harry) Jackson, Tammy Jones, Deryl Shouff (Jennifer Jones-Lloyd), 25 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, a special niece, Dawn Wilson, a special grandson, Phillip Donahue, Jr., who was her caregiver until her death, her surrogate siblings, Ernest Jr. (Bernida), Ronald (deceased), Melvin, Wendell (Doris), and Dr. Debra (David) Garner, a special friend, who was like her daughter, Brenda Meadows (“Bren-Bren”), her devoted friends Glenda Colvin and Deborah McSwain, her East Friendship Baptist church family, and a host of cousins, extended family and friends.

She will be forever loved and greatly missed.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. [8] And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8