Life’s Reflections
Eddie Mae Williams was born on November 9, 1929, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Eddie James Taylor and Mary Lue Taylor. She was the eldest of three children born to this union.
At a young age, Eddie Mae accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized in 1945 under the leadership of the late Reverend L. O. Taylor at Olivet Baptist Church, located on 270 E. Calhoun Avenue, which was later moved to 3084 Southern Avenue under the leadership of the late Reverend Kenneth T. Whalum, Sr., and now known as Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church at 4450 Knight Arnold Road — Eddie Mae remained a faithful and devoted member. She cherished her Sunday School class and served diligently in many capacities, often affirming her belief that “Christianity is the work of a lifetime.”
She graduated from the historic Booker T. Washington High School (BTW) in 1948, where she served proudly as Class Treasurer — a title she held in spirit until her passing. Eddie Mae went on to earn her Practical Nursing certification from Memphis Vocational Technical School. Breaking barriers, she was one of the first three African American women hired at the Memphis VA Medical Center as a Licensed Practical Nurse, where she served with dedication for 33 years until her retirement.
Eddie Mae was first married to the late Sidney Lee Boyd, Jr. Three sons were born to this union: the late Sidney Lee Boyd, III, the late Edward James Boyd, and David Earl Boyd. Later, she married the late Thomas J. Williams, Jr., and from this union, Timothy Taylor Williams was born.
Eddie Mae was a voracious reader who enjoyed crossword puzzles, gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She was known for her straightforward, nononsense approach to life, her insistence on punctuality, and her impeccable sense of style — qualities that left a lasting imprint on all who knew her.
She leaves to cherish her memory two beloved sons, David (Darlene) Boyd of Hampton, VA, and Timothy (Dr. Carmen) Williams of Baker, LA; a daughter-in-law, Louise Boyd of Hampton, GA; sisters-in-law Janette (Otha) Jones of Red Banks, MS, Willette Williams, and Sadie Williams, both of Memphis, TN; and goddaughters Rita (Charles) Harris, Fay (Stan) Eckwood, and Rozlyn (Ronald) DeBerry. A host of grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends — including her special caretaker and daughter in love, Mary Williams of Memphis, TN.
Eddie Mae Williams was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched.
Celebration of Life
Saturday, May 3, 2025
10:30 A.M.
Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church
4450 Knight Arnold Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38118 Dr. Zedric Clayton, II, Senior Pastor
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Prelude
Processional................................................................The Family of Eddie Mae Williams
Scripture Readings: Old & New Testament.....................................................Pastor Jalen Washington
Prayer of Comfort.................................................................................Dr. Kenya J. Gray
Musical Selection............................................................Olivet Fellowship Baptist Choir
“Expressions of Love”
(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Reverend Rose Conard - Church Family
Mrs. Jeraldine Davis - Neighbor
Timothy Williams - Son
Acknowledgements & Resolutions.....................................................Sister Camille Gray
Musical Selection............................................................Olivet Fellowship Baptist Choir
Eulogy..............................................................................Reverend Dr. Zedric Clayton, II
Recessional
To Those I Love
When I am gone, just release me; Let me go – so I can move into my Afterglow – You mustn’t tie me down with your tears; let’s be happy That we had so many years. I gave you My love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it’s time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust. It’s only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then, when you must come this way alone; I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home.”
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalms 23
~Acknowledgements ~
The family of Mrs. Eddie Mae Williams wishes to thank each of you for your expressions of love and sympathy shown during our time of bereavement. Perhaps you said a prayer, called, texted, sent a flower or a card to show you cared. We accept whatever you did with sincere gratitude and appreciation. We pray God’s continued blessings for each of you.
~The Family
“In honor of Eddie Mae’s deep love for her church and dedication to future generations, donations may be made in her name to the Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church Children’s Ministry, ‘KIDZONE.
