Date of Death: July 9, 2025
Service Details
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025 at noon at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 817 Eighth St., Three Rivers.
Obituary Notice
Phyllis Ann Williams began her life journey on November 29, 1949 in Blue Island, Illinois. She was presented to life by the late Harold Gray and Juanita Gregory. Phyllis accepted Christ at an early age. She became a charter member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Sterlynn White. She was dedicated to choir singing for the Glory of God! In addition to her work in the Kingdom.
She attended Dwight D. Eisenhower High School. Later she pursued a career in Nursing at the University of Texas. Changing the lives of everyone she came in contact with. She became a beacon of hope for people in need through her unwavering commitment.
She loved cooking, sewing, crocheting, singing in the choir, and studying God’s word. Phyllis also had a passion for gardening.
Phyllis Ann Williams was preceded in death by her brother Donnie Gray.
Phyllis Ann Williams leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband James Williams, her children: Patricia Basden, Jimmie Koetzle, and Cynthia Brown; her two sisters Diane White and Marie Gray; two granddaughters Heather Koetzle and Vanessa Brown; nine great-grandchildren Rashaad Brown, Calder Gilmore, Callie Forrey, Atlas Brown, Winston Brown, Chance Forrey, Micheal Brown, Christopher J. Gilmore and Naysa Brown; five nieces Tina Phillips, Tanya Roberson, Sterlynn White, Erika Sykes and Erin Rice; two nephews Corey White, Eric White and a host of friends and neighbors.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Additional Information
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Words cannot really express how much I love my mother. As her son, I feel like God sent her just for me so I could feel ‘His’ unconditional love through her. She was the epitome of love, strength, fortitude, faith and positivity.
I couldn’t have asked for a better mom. I could talk to her about anything and everything. We’d have deep conversations and silly conversations. We’d agree and disagree. We’d laugh and we’d cry. I was definitely a momma’s boy. I was happy to be one.
Thank you for loving me, accepting me and raising me. I love you. Always and forever. See you later, mom! ❤️
Phyllis, those that knew you knew that we saw God in you! You always had a smile to give, a hug to share and words to encourage. You loved the Lord so much and would be so excited to invite Him into your conversations. My cousin, Butch had a gem! We will love and miss you until we see you again!!
Prayers for the whole family and you will truly be missed. Your smile and laugh was so amazing.
James I am so sorry to hear of your wife’s passing may God comfort you in your time of need my deepest condolences wendy
I love u James so sorry for your loss ❤️❤️
I will always love you Forever & Always. That’s how mom always ended her phone calls. No matter how short or long. I loved my mom so much and I thank God everyday~!! I will truly miss my mother for the rest of my days and I will be so honored to see her again with our Heavenly Father.
Love, Patty
So sorry for your loss Patty, if she was anything like you I’m sure she was amazing !
I was the first to call you Grandma and your first to call me granddaughter. We were each other’s firsts. I love you grandma and I will miss you and your sweet voice. There are no words to describe how much love you filled our family with. I love you always and forever.
Love, Heather.
Butch so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife all have my sincere condolences
Wow! I will miss those long talks that Phyllis & I had. But God missed her more, and was ready for her to come home. May our Father God grant you strength in the love and support of those around you. And Butch, I always admired the strong love you & Phyllis had. Remember, those who live in our memories are NEVER truly GONE. We Love you.
Margo, First Cousin of James Williams (Butch)
So sorry for your loss cousin. I remember her smile and her feistyness. She was definitely the best woman for you. May God wrap His loving arms around you during this time. Love you much.
Barbie
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. You all are in my prayers. She raised three beautiful children and I’m sure she’s very proud of you all. Thank you Ms. Phyllis for giving birth to someone I truly and dearly love, Patty. May you rest peacefully.
Rest Easy dear beautiful Queen for it was such a wonderful pleasure to have known such a beautiful inside and out angle and wildflower I am more than grateful for the blessing of true Love you displayed to me and the everlasting joyful unmistakable smile that was your daily presentation of nothing less then good the world has developed a many never ending better day’s because of you and your amazing willingness to change the way of life and the people dearest cuz’n you will be truly missed but O not EVER FORGOTTEN!!
Enjoy your mansion in the great heavens Phyllis 🙏🏽❤️
Love and miss you so 😘
Cuz’n Coop🙏🏽