Denice Aldrina Williams

Denise Aldrina Williams, affectionately known as "Mommy," transitioned peacefully at her home on March 9, 2026, in Milton, Florida, surrounded by love. She was 75 years old. Born on March 18, 1950, in New York City, New York, to Mary E. Cook and Lawrence N. Cook, Denise was the eldest of eight siblings and naturally embodied leadership, strength, and care from an early age.

Throughout her life, she lived in several places around the world, including Kansas, Germany, and Alabama, experiences that nurtured her open heart, adventurous spirit, and deep appreciation for different cultures and people. In 1985, she moved to Milton, Florida, with her children after being introduced to the area by the Hudson family. There she built a life centered on family, faith, and community. Denise worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Santa Rosa Health and Rehabilitation Center, caring compassionately for others, before becoming a Fire Prevention Specialist at Blackwater River State Park, where she served until her retirement.

She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to the Lord, her love for family, and her vibrant personality. With her signature long red fingernails, bold red lipstick, beautiful fashion, and beloved baby blue Cadillac, Denise expressed a distinctive style and creativity that touched everyone around her. She enjoyed sewing her own clothing, handcrafting jewelry, crocheting, doing her own nails, and capturing memories through photography of her travels and family. Above all, she never met a stranger; her warmth, humor, and openness quickly turned acquaintances into lifelong friends or honorary family members.

Denise is survived by her three daughters, Patrice Brown, Deseire Williams-Jackson (Ray), and Shanice Sanders (Kevin); her daughter-in-law, Shawna Odom; eight grandchildren, Larry R. Dixon, Devonne Dixon, Brooklyn Williams, Hassan Williams, Alec Cavazos, Orieon Brown, Bryannah Williams, and Leighton Jackson; and three great-grandchildren, Landon Denson, Bailey Slack, and Navin Slack. She is also survived by two siblings, Wanda Cook and Peter Cook, along with uncles Ronald Frances and Arthur Cook, aunt Betty Mae Cook, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry D. Williams Sr.; her son, Henry D. Williams Jr.; her parents; and several siblings. Her authentic spirit, strength, creativity, and boundless love will continue to live on through the family she cherished.