Esther Bell Williams

Esther Bell Williams passed away on March 6, 2026, at the age of 89. She was born on August 23, 1936, in Andalusia, Alabama, to the late Melvin and Mollie Butler. The first-born child, Esther grew up in the segregated South, where she received her education and was crowned Queen of her high school, earning the honor of riding on a float in the school parade.

At seventeen she met the love of her life, Clarence Williams. They married and together raised four children: Tony “Anthony” Williams, Jacqueline Ann Williams, Scotty Lynn Williams, and Clarence Williams, Jr. Esther was admired for her striking beauty, stylish fashion, and exceptional cooking. Her warmth and presence drew people to her; she possessed a radiant, head-turning beauty that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Mollie Butler, her sister Thelma Butler, and her brothers Joseph Butler and Allen Butler. Esther leaves behind Patricia Rogers, Fred Rogers, Kenneth Butler, and Rochelle Butler, along with her beloved grandchildren Jaquay Parks, Candi, Dion, Raheem, Taji, Rasya, Theodore, Isiah, Jeremiah, and Anari, and great-grandchildren Amari, Aaliyah, Aujah, London, Nila, Taraj, Trace, Lavender, Isabella, Alana, Chianni, Jaylin, Jameson, and Julene. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews whom she loved unconditionally and who returned that love in equal measure.