Sylvia Ann Williams

Sylvia Ann Brady Williams was born on July 21, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Katherine Brady Freeman and Rev. Ashmore Brady. She peacefully entered eternal rest on the morning of May 13, 2025, at the age of 81. Sylvia was called to reunite with her devoted husband, Russell, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage, embracing the promise of everlasting life with Jesus Christ. Her life was a testament of grace, faith, and unwavering dedication to family and friends.

Sylvia accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at the age of 13 at First Baptist Church of Hartwell, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Carter. She was scheduled to be baptized on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1953, but those plans were delayed by one week due to her mother being in the hospital delivering her little brother, Alonzo (affectionately known as Mickey). After the family relocated to Lincoln Heights, Ohio, Sylvia joined Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully under the leadership of Rev. Charles Wesley, until the family moved to Glendale, Ohio.

In Glendale, Sylvia connected with Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where she became an active member. She served faithfully on the Hospitality Committee, coordinator of the Jr. Usher Board, teacher in the Primary Sunday School Class, partnering with her close friend, Carrie Caldwell. She also played a vital role in Vacation Bible School where she was especially passionate about working with the kitchen team, where she helped plan meals and made sure no child left VBS hungry. Collaborating with her daughter, Kathy, they planned and executed the final night of VBS with a “Banging” Carnival, which became a lasting tradition. Sylvia’s love for the Lord was evident through her years of service until her health decline, which prevented her from attending regularly.

Sylvia received her early education at Lincoln Heights Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln Heights High School in 1962. She had a diverse career, beginning with Bethesda North Hospital, Montgomery Ward, Cigna Insurance Company, Hillcrest Girls Home, ARA and the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). After working at the IRS for 15 years, she retired in 2005. Feeling the need to be busy, she pursued her passion for food and service by starting up a catering business with Barbara Coleman, Virginia Williams, and John Freeman. Because of her gift of multi-tasking, she accepted a position at AWS (Benchmark), where she lovingly cared for a teenager with special needs, whom she embraced as her own.

Sylvia valued time with her high school friends, meeting monthly for lunch at a local restaurant, followed by board games at her home. These gatherings were a highlight of her life, offering joy and connection. Russell, her husband called them the “Golden Girls,” a name that perfectly captured the bond they shared. When Sylvia could no longer venture out, her friends lovingly continued the tradition by visiting her at home, filling it with laughter and warmth.

Preceding Sylvia in death was her husband, Russell Williams; her parents, Rev. Ashmore Brady and Katherine Freeman; two brothers, John and Bowyer Freeman.

Sylvia leaves to cherish her memories: her daughters, Katherine (Darius) Smiley, Rachael (James) Key, and Gwenette (Lee) Grigsby; six grandchildren: Frank Mitchell, Damarcus (Hannah) Smiley, Russell Mitchell, Madison Mitchell, Demetrius Smiley, and Jordyn Grigsby; two great-grandchildren: Azariah Mitchell and Lydia Smiley. She is also survived by her siblings: Veronica Nesbitt, Elizabeth Wilson, Mary (Terry) Saturday, Brenda Daniels, Alonzo (Hattie) Freeman, and Michael (Pamela) Young; her sister-in-law, Terri Freeman; the Brady siblings: Judy Brady, Tony Brady, Janice Bintu, Tracy Brady, and Sonya Brady; one Godchild, Nicole Saturday; lifelong childhood friends: Angela Thompson, Jettye Lewis, Carolyn Rivers, Judy Tucker Baines, Jackie Bailey Cornist, Evelyn Lackey and Mary Joyce Adams White (deceased); as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many dear friends.

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