Hortense Williams

Hortense “Aunt Sister” Williams (November 12, 1947 – March 14, 2020) was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth filled the rooms she entered. Born in Brooklyn, New York to Herbert and Hortense Miller, Hortense met and married Curtis Williams; together they built a life that celebrated family, laughter, and simple pleasures.

Hortense loved bringing people together. She took special joy in preparing meals and welcoming relatives and neighbors to her home, delighting in the sight of others enjoying her cooking. Generous of spirit and quick with a smile, she was known for making guests feel comfortable and cherished. In later years she rediscovered crocheting, taking pride in the careful stitches of each finished piece, and she enjoyed decorating her home—turning small details into things of beauty.

Family was Hortense’s cornerstone. She and Curtis raised four children and were blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who remember her for her kindness, hospitality, and presence at family gatherings. A sister, mother, and matriarch to many, Hortense carried the loving nickname “Aunt Sister” with the easy affection of someone who made family life the center of her world.

Those who knew Hortense recall a woman with a keen eye for detail, a generous heart, and a home that reflected her care. Her family expressed gratitude to the community and the staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel and Bethlehem Baptist Church for their support. Hortense was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter. She is survived by her husband, Curtis Williams; children including Curtis Jr., Ronald (Sherry), and Timothy Williams; fifteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will hold her memory dear.

Hortense’s life was marked by steady devotion to family and the quiet, meaningful ways she made ordinary days feel special. Her hospitality, craftsmanship, and the laughter she welcomed into her home remain lasting gifts to those who loved her.