Obituaries

Helen Holman Williams of Ladson, SC, transitioned peacefully into eternal rest at her home on June 9, 2025, at the blessed age of 92. Born on November 4, 1932, in Charleston, SC, she was the beloved daughter of the late Reverend Sampson Abel Holman and Viola Drayton Holman.

From a young age, Helen’s heart was drawn to service and faith. Her spiritual journey began at New Israel Reformed Episcopal Church under the leadership of Bishop S.K. Rembert. She served as a pianist at Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church in Charleston, where her love for music and devotion to God came together in perfect harmony. This deep foundation in faith would guide her life with resilience, grace, and unwavering dedication.

Helen was educated in the Charleston County Public School System and graduated from Burke High School. She furthered her education at Allen University in Columbia, SC. After marrying the love of her life, the late Elder James E. Williams, Helen moved to Manhattan, NY, where they welcomed their five children. That season of life was filled with love, purpose, and the blessing of family.

Her spiritual journey led her to serve in various churches, including Reformed House of God under Bishop Aaron Moore in North Charleston, SC and Community Memorial Church of God in Christ in Columbia, where she served faithfully under Superintendent James McKinney. Upon returning to Charleston, Mother Williams continued to serve as the Church Mother of Friendship Inspirational Church of God in Christ, Lincolnville, SC under the leadership of Pastor Edward L. Johnson Sr..

She was employed at Crafts-Farrow State Hospital in Columbia where she worked faithfully until retirement. After retiring, she returned to Ladson, and continued serving others through her work at Coastal Carolina Center in Summerville, SC. In her later years, she joyfully returned to New Israel Reformed Episcopal Church and ultimately joined New Bethel Reformed Episcopal Church in Charleston to be closer to home. There, she remained active as a choir member, and participant in community outreach. In recognition of her unwavering commitment, she was honored by New Bethel Reformed Episcopal Church with the Faithful Servant Award and an Award for Mission Service, celebrating her years of heartfelt dedication and service to others.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Elder James E. Williams; her son, Tyrone Williams; her siblings, Richard Thomas and Harvey Norris Holman; and her granddaughters, Alicia Williams-Fearon (Mikee) and Chiffon Myers.

She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory always: Her children – James Anthony Williams (Renee) of Mansfield, TX, Vincent Williams (Lisa) of UK, England, Stanley Williams (Patricia) of New Bern, NC, Tracy Williams Archie (Gregory) of Summerville, SC, and Eloise Joyce Myers (David) of Savannah, GA. Her siblings – Reverend Albert Holman (Fayleano, deceased) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Clarence L. Holman (Eleanor) of Columbia, MD, and Vivian Lott of Seattle, WA. Her sisters-in-law– Laura B. Holman of New York City, NY, and Shirley Williams of Philadelphia, PA. She was a proud grandmother of 10, great-grandmother of 14, and great-great-grandmother of 3. Her legacy also lives on through a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Helen was a woman of quiet strength, deep wisdom, and unwavering faith. She was known for her love of cooking, sewing, playing the piano, and caring for others. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her heart always giving. Above all, Helen loved God, her family, and her community. Her life was a testimony of God’s grace, and her presence was filled with hope, strength, and encouragement to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on in every life she touched and in every heart she blessed. “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

INFORMAL VISITATION

Friday, June 20, 2025 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, New Bethel Reformed Episcopal Church, 1941 Helm Ave. N. Charleston, SC

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM, New Bethel Reformed Episcopal Church, 1941 Helm Ave. N. Charleston, SC

INTERMENT

Sunset Memorial Gardens