Beatrice Williams

Obituary Celebrating the life of Beatrice Williams 53,827,200 Minutes897,120 Hours37,380 Days 5340 Weeks1228 Months102 Years It all started over 102 years ago in Wakulla Springs, Florida, which was profoundly known for the swamplands and railroad tracks. During the Springtime on Tuesday, April sixth, nineteen hundred and twenty, the sound of birds singing, crickets chirping, and frogs croaking were often heard. On that day something amazing happened. The soft cry of a beautiful bouncing baby girl was added to God’s glorious creation. Her parents the late Henry, and late Anne Gordon would name her Beatrice; one who brings happiness (Blessed) which is the meaning of her name was fitting for the baby girl adorned with it on that brisk Spring Day. Bea as she was affectionately called by family and friends grew up in an era along with her younger and only brother the late Westley Gordon. It was during a time when it wasn’t uncommon for young black children to work in the fields to help their parents sustain the family needs, but even during such challenging times, Bea was still able to obtain her education while growing up in Wakulla Springs. Beatrice reminisced her childhood days of unpaved roads, small houses, homemade remedies for every illness under the sun, and playing every game imaginable for a little girl to make days more fun and exciting! She never forgot her humble beginnings; it would cause her to value and appreciate the things she’d obtain in life no matter how great or small. Beatrice was quiet in spirit, yet poised, gracious, and classy. She would later capture the attention of the man that would become the love of her life, the late Mr. Solomon Williams. After a whirlwind courtship in 1939, Solomon asked Bea to become his wife. Solomon and Bea would go on to join and be baptized at New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Wakulla. Later, Solomon and Beatrice would relocate to Tampa, Florida where she would join New Hope Baptist Church and become an ordained Deaconess, serving on the Deacon Board. Desiring to have a better life; in 1944 Solomon and Beatrice would move to Deerfield Beach, Florida; where they indulged themselves in one of their favorite pastime excursions, going fishing. Beatrice loved to share the fond memories she had of being on the creek fishing, with her cane pole, while wearing her sassy straw hat! Bea always said how she enjoyed some of the best eating ever…fried fish, frog legs, and turtle! Yes, she was proud of her country girl roots! Though Bea and Solomon never had any children of their own; they enjoyed caring for their nieces and nephews; the children of Solomon’s twin brother the late Sampson Williams Sr. and his late wife Dorothy. Solomon and Bea would one day get a glimpse of a sweet little girl and eventually find out her name was Ann. She would become their goddaughter and they took her as their own; lavishing her with the best they had to offer! They enjoyed the company of their furry friends, their pet dogs Betty and Tiny, whom they loved dearly as well! In pursuit of more financial stability, Bea would eventually find work at Plastic Line and the Shrimp-house; both located in Deerfield Beach. Beatrice’s love for God would propel her to later join Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. L.W. Williams, followed by the late Rev. W.J. Ford Sr., serving faithfully as a member of the Senior Choir and Home Mission Department. Beatrice maintained and continued with the principles of faith, prayer, forgiveness, compassion, and love while on her spiritual journey in Christ Jesus, under the leadership of her current pastor Rev. Demetric R. Ford. Even after her health and eyesight were failing Beatrice would try to attend her church services online. Bea was a resident of the city of Deerfield Beach for over 75 years; she continued to be a great humanitarian and showed forth love and respect for all those she came in contact with. On April 6, 2022, family, friends, along with City and State Representatives came together to celebrate Beatrice’s 102nd birthday. And witness as the City of Deerfield Beach would recognize and declare the day as Beatrice “Bea” Day! Though her eyesight had grown dim, and her steps grew a little slower it was by the grace of God she still had all her faculties. She always expressed gratitude to those that stopped by to visit and shower her with love or came over to give her a helping hand! Always saying how blessed she was to have her family, but without fail she’d make it known dat Nerva (Minerva) was her backbone! She’d give a priceless smile and say…anything I need dat Gurl will do it for me! …She don’t even go home before coming to see about me! Beatrice’s gratitude and appreciation for the unmeasurable love they shared were undeniable and could not go unnoticed by her “Nerva!” After spending their usual beautiful Sunday afternoon together talking, and enjoying time with her favorite niece, caregiver, and advocate Minerva Howell, along with her husband Mark; Beatrice would later go to sleep and while sleeping on Monday, August 8, 2022, at approximately 3:32 A.M. Beatrice answered the voice of her Heavenly Father. He saw that her road was getting rough, and her hills harder to climb…He’d call her home, whispering peace be thine. Beatrice’s memories will continue to be cherished in the hearts of her loved ones…Nieces, Vina Swinton of Vassar, Michigan; Barbara Collins of Baltimore, Maryland; Minerva Howell (Mark) of Deerfield Bch, Florida; Nephews, Joe Williams of Wakulla, Florida; Sampson Williams Jr. (Peaches) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Alex Williams (Val) of Deerfield Bch, Florida; John Williams (Jackie) of Boca Raton, Florida; and Timothy Williams of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Endearing Cousins, Gwen DeShazier of Tallahassee, Florida; Lillie McDonald of West Palm Beach, Florida; Alice Jones of Detroit, Michigan; Mae Hunt of Detroit, Michigan; Goddaughter, Ann Flemming Maxfield of Deerfield Bch, Florida; Godson, Robert Robinson of Orlando, Florida; Special Longtime Friends, Ms. Eileen Newson, Ms. Sarah Ward, and Ms. Sheba Glenn all of Deerfield Bch, Florida; and a host of other loving cousins, relatives, and friends.

Beatrice Williams

April 6, 1920 - August 8, 2022