You were a awesome mother and so kind to everyone. We had lots of great laughs and you always wanted to know if I was ok. You always payed attention to the little things that most people wouldn't notice and that's a big part of what made you who you are. You never let me down and you lived a great life and never had to want for anything and you always shared your blessings with others. You were always there for me and did a great job as a mother and because of that you leave me with tons of great memories

It happened so quickly, I hardly had the chance to say a proper goodbye to the woman who held me as a baby and tickled me until I could hardly catch my breath as she valiantly made her transition from life unto life everlasting.  This courageous woman who I call Mom, groomed me into the woman that I have become;

Mom, I am going to miss your beautiful smile as it was contagious as a warm summer day with all of the trimmings of a bright blue sky and perfect rainbows on cloudless horizons.

I have burned the memory of your many attributes deep within my banks of jewels that you have embellished upon my heart.  My desire is to pass on to others your ability to see the beauty in all things; 

Your devotion to dad was unmatched; your generous spirit was untouched; and your willingness to always be a very present help in the time of need and want was unmeasured.  My brother and I were so blessed to call you Mom.

It is hard to express in the past tense, because I do not want to miss what was so precious to me from my very beginning.  Our Lord certainly knows what is best, therefore I will resolve to accept His will for my life, for your life, because indeed, you are His.

You have fought the good fight Mom, and you have run your course dear woman of faith and true woman of God.

To my funny lady, who had the ability to be carefree and silly, yet you were a serious and courageous soul, I love you and I will certainly miss you my dear Mom, until we meet again, so long my sweet girl!     By Gina’s inkwell

Cecelia Devena Fletcher Williams was born on October 14, 1951 in St. Petersburg, FL to Jack and Willie Mae Fletcher.  She was the second born of eight siblings (the first of seven daughters).  Cecelia attended local schools in Pinellas County, FL and graduated from Gibbs High School, Class of 1969.  She matriculated to Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business.

 After college, Cecelia was employed as a manager at JCPenneys Department Store.  A better opportunity presented itself at Allstate Insurance Company and she accepted a managerial position with them.  Cecelia worked at Allstate until she and Claude decided to start their family, at which time she became a fulltime homemaker.  

 She met her soulmate, Claude S. Williams, in 1973.  The attraction was mutual and shortly thereafter, the two began to date.   (As the story goes, to show how serious he was about their relationship Claude proposed and suggested they get married on her mother's birthday - which they did.)  On June 14, 1976, Cecelia and Claude were united in Holy Matrimony.  To their union, two children were born.

 Cecelia was true to the purpose she left the workforce - to become a fulltime homemaker.  Her passion was taking care of her husband and children.   She enjoyed spending time with her mother, brother, and sisters as much as possible. She loved attending family functions with the aunts, cousins, and extended family.  She was the epitome of a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and godmother. 

 Cecelia loved to serve the Lord.  She was a dedicated and faithful First Lady and member of Victory Christian Center Church (VCCC).  (She was a member of the original group of believers that organized VCCC in 1992).   She was a faithful servant of the Lord who humbly served his people and strangers alike. She was a passionate prayer warrior and worshipper. Cecelia devoted numerous hours with the VCCC Outreach Ministry helping to serve the neighborhoods around the church.  She loved to work in the Nursery with the children. With a true servant’s heart, she was willing to assist any ministry in any capacity needed.   She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Pastor Claude, to attend workshops and conferences to gain more knowledge and wisdom about God's Word.

 Cecelia Devena Fletcher Williams made a peaceful transition to her heavenly home on Friday, April 8, 2016, 9:31am, at St. Anthony's Hospital.

 She was preceded in death by her father, Elder Jack Fletcher, Sr. and mother-in-law, Mother Hattie Davis.

 - husband: (Pastor) Claude

- son:  John (Denise)

- daughters: Shanel and Deri Williams; Patrice Moore  (Jimmy); and
                       Marilyn Fudge 

 - grandchildren:  Maiya Fudge, Chase Moore, Mykala Fudge, 
                              Jordan Moore, and Winter Williams           

 - mother: Willie Mae Fletcher

- siblings: brother, Jack Fletcher, Jr (Shirley); sisters: Amelia F. Grimm,

                 Jean F. Freshler (Donn), Sandra Fletcher,

                 Angelia F. Mavros (John), Wendy F. Shannon (James),

                 and Cynthia F. Miller (Vance)

 -  In-law: brother -in-law, Ervin Whitehead (Barbara)

-Godson: Rashad Harrell (Tonya)

- A host of loving relatives and friends.