Pauline Virginia Williams, 86

PALMYRA, N.J. - Pauline Virginia Roberts Williams, of Palmyra, departed this life on Monday, May 26, 2008, at the Christiana Health Care Center, Christiana, Del. She was 86.

She was the youngest child born to the late Marie Farlow and George Roberts on July 15, 1921, in Portsville, Del.

Pauline received her early childhood education in Seaford, Del.

Through the devoted teachers at the Frederick Douglass School, Pauline developed a tremendous love for poetry and could be found giving recitations and poetry readings at the Church of God on Clarence Street, where her mother was a founding member.

Also with the help of her mother, Pauline became very highly skilled in needlework, which included embroidery, crocheting, knitting and, most of all, an expert seamstress and quilt maker for more than 60 years.

Pauline accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, and served as the church secretary at the Church of God on Clarence Street for several years.

In 1947, Pauline married the Rev. Willie A. Williams Sr., now deceased, and their union was blessed with nine children, of whom two, Clifton Douglas and Anthony DeCarlo, preceded them in death.

Pauline dedicated and committed her life to Christ, with her total love and unfailing devotion, to her husband; she served faithfully as the first lady of the United Assembly of Christ Church in Bridgeville, Del., and in the care of her children.

Pauline taught her children the love of family and how to care for one another, but when her daughters asked her to teach them how to can fruits and vegetables, she said no, because that was personal time she loved in the kitchen alone.

With a strong desire to complete her high school education, in her late 60s, Pauline went back to school and received her GED from the James Groves School in Georgetown, Del.

She leaves such sweet memories with three sons, Deacon Vernon Roberts (Esther) of Bridgeville, Elder Willie A, "Billy" Williams Jr. (Yvonne) of Glassboro, and the Rev. Cornell Williams (Esther) of Erial; four daughters, Rita Boardley (Nelson, deceased) and Diana Mims, of Palmyra, Joan Barnes (Terry) of Clayton, and Crystal Williams of Newark, Del.; one sister, Elma Coulbourn; one brother-in-law, Elder Robert "David" Williams (Lola Mae); and one sister-in-law, Ruth Matthews, all of Seaford; 12 grandchildren, Monique Robinson of Philadelphia, Master Sgt. Howard Smack Jr. of Fort Bragg, N.C., Malcolm Anthony Falk of Hanau, Germany, Christina Butler of Philadelphia, Celestine Best (Casey) of Maple Shade, Gerard Williams (Valerie) of Dover, Del., Vernon Telly Roberts of Dover, Raine Wilson (Robert) of Centreville, Va., Dawn Mims of Bensalem, Pa., Bruce Williams (Iesha) of Glassboro, Tinesha Williams of Laurel, Md., and Keenan Williams of Newark, Del.; 16 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the United Bible Deliverance Center, 532 W. Seventh St., Laurel, Del., where friends may call two hours prior to the services.

Interment will be in the Delaware Veteran's Cemetery, Millsboro, Del.

Arrangements are being handled by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Seaford.