Lorice R. Williams

A Tribute to Lorice R. Williams

Sister, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother

Lorice R. Williams led a Life of Faith, Courage, and Unshakable Love.

She made her Heavenly journey Monday, March 2, 2026 at the age of 89.

Lorice R. Williams, peacefully transitioned to Glory, answering the call of the Lord who welcomed His faithful daughter home. Her life was a living testimony of grace, resilience, and unwavering devotion to God and family.

She was born on December 20, 1936, in Williamson, West Virginia to the late John B. and Myrtle V. Shaw. Her parents raised her to God; after being baptized, Lorice was filled with the Holy Spirit at a very young age. As a child she began her lifelong walk in Christ with her faith rooted in love as God commanded.

At 9 years old, Lorice lost her hearing—an unexpected turning point that shaped her into a trailblazer. She attended The West Virginia Schools for the Colored Deaf and Blind at age 15, later continuing her education at the Ohio School for the Deaf. Though she was withdrawn from OSD because she spoke so clearly that some doubted her deafness, Lorice’s determination only grew stronger. She surrounded herself with her deaf peers who helped her build on the sign language she had learned in school, developing fluency beyond the basics. These friendships endured over the years, as she regularly hosted dinners for deaf friends at her home and remained actively involved in the deaf community for the rest of her life.

On February 14, 1960, she married her beloved husband, Eugene A. Williams, and together they built a God centered home filled with love, discipline, and purpose. Their union lasted 59 blessed years and brought forth six children who became her greatest joy.

Lorice was a pioneer in the Deaf Community. She obtained her State Tested Nurse Aide certification from Columbus Public Schools and became the first Deaf STNA at Echo, Woodland Manor, Isabel Ridgeway Center, and Columbus Colony Elderly Care for the Deaf. She labored faithfully in Isabelle Ridgway and Columbus Colony Elderly Care nursing homes for 25 years, later extending her tenure at Columbus Colony to an astounding 41 years. Her compassion, advocacy, and respect for Deaf elders made her a beloved figure and a permanent part of Columbus Colony’s history.

Being a caregiver at heart, caring for others was not just something Lorice did—it was part of her very being. As a teenager, she cared for her nephews. While working as a homemaker for her family, she also helped raise nieces, nephews, cousins, and the children of friends.

Whilst working two jobs, she cared for her husband during his illness and supported her adolescent and teenage children. During this same period, though at separate times, she also cared for her father, brother, and mother; as well as a granddaughter who needed special support.

Lorice’s hands were always working, her heart always giving, and her spirit always serving.

Lorice was a faithful church member of Rehoboth Temple Church of Christ, worshiping together with her husband under the leadership of the late Bishop Spencer, the late Pastor Kenneth L. Bligen, and Pastor Bradford Berry. In her later years, she was appointed as the church mother of her son Alan E. Williams’ church, Jesus People’s Evangelist Center, where her quiet strength blessed many.

Lorice was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene A. Williams; daughters, Kimberly J. Williams and Caroline G. Williams; Grand-daughter LeKisha Williams; Grandsons, Shermaine Williams and David Mitchell Jr.; brothers Ellis Shaw, John B. Shaw Jr., and David Shaw; and sisters Eunice Royster, Evelyn Moore, Hattie Shaw, and Doris Kelsor.

She leaves to cherish her memory; son: Pastor Alan Eugene (Delores) Williams; Adopted son: Jerome Royster; daughters: Sharon (Steve) Hariston, Trudi (Timothy) Crawley; Reva (Ricardo) McHardy; Sister Helen Griffith; Grand-children: Arliss Williams, Kamika Oyelana, Shawn Council, Nathaniel Williams, Jermell Williams Sr., Lamonte Williams, Keyle Williams, Lorisha Adams, Adrian Calloway-Scott, Elmitras Williams, Mario Williams, Antonio Williams, Ivan Shelton, Talina Crawley, Sherika Royster, Leondra Williams, LeKeyta Williams, Shamar Williams, Talia Crawley; and a host of loving great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and dear friends.

Lorice’s life was a tapestry woven with faith, sacrifice, courage, and unconditional love. She broke barriers, nurtured generations, and served God with her whole heart. Her legacy will continue to shine through every life she touched.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant. You have entered into the joy of the Lord.

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