Mother Eartha Williams

Lady Eartha Lee York Williams was born on February 17, 1938, to Hugh and Essie York in the quaint community of Jordan, South Carolina. She spent her formative years in Clarendon County School District One before graduating from high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She went on to attend the University of South Carolina, where she majored in nursing.

At the age of 17, Lady Williams married the late Archbishop Charles Wesley Williams Sr., and together they moved to California, where they lived in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Pasadena. They were blessed with four children, Deborah, Carlos, Sophia, and Leland.

Lady Williams was a devoted and supportive wife and mother. She and her husband traveled extensively throughout their lives moving from Manning, South Carolina to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Pasadena, California, then to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and eventually back to Manning, South Carolina. Her role as the First Lady and her eventual call to ministry showcased her dedication to her faith and community.

A trailblazer and a strong, proud woman, Lady Williams took immense pride in her family, ensuring they always had what they needed. She welcomed foster children into her home in Pasadena, California and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In addition, as an entrepreneur, she achieved success in various fields. She was a licensed cosmetologist in Philadelphia, farmed and raised hogs for the market in Manning, and worked as a nurse's assistant. She also established her own residential care facility, Essie’s Villa, which later became Ram Bay Residential Care Facility. These endeavors allowed her family to travel extensively with the church, giving her children the opportunity to experience the world.

Lady Williams held numerous esteemed positions in the church. Those positions included National Mother (Sounds of Praise), Archbishop Wife and First Lady (Trans Atlantic and Pacific Alliance of Churches), and Pastor’s Wife (Temple of Praise, DGM; FBH Churches: (St. John, Jones Tabernacle, Mt. Calvary, Open Fountain, Gethsemane, Open Fountain Pasadena). She was also an Ordained Minister, President of several Missionary Boards, and Mother’s Board Chair.

Lady Williams’ long and prosperous life was a testament to her deep love for God, her husband, and her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith.

Lady Eartha Williams is survived by her children, Dr. Deborah Williams (Tommy) Belton, Dr. Charles “Carlos” W. (Marie) Williams Jr., Dr. Sophia Janelle (Harry) Cornish, and Deacon Leland (Monica) Williams; grandchildren, Ingrafted GD Lawanda, Tommy D, Stanley, Stephen, K. Greg Jr., Scarlet, Christian, Tangela, Vittorio, Kelley, Vincent, Diamond, Jamal, Tommy II, Moriel, Jakayla, and Leland Jr.; 38 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Lauretta Burchess; longtime caregiver, David Fowler; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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