Ms. Gertrude Rhodes Williams affectionately known as “Granny or Mama” was born in Walterboro, South Carolina on July 4, 1943, to the late Joseph E. Rhodes and Olivia Manigo Rhodes. She attended schools in Walterboro, South Carolina and received her education at Colleton County High School, Mather Junior College and Jones College in 1980. Gertrude later met and married Mr. Jack John Williams, Sr., in Jacksonville, Florida on December 21, 1990.

Gertrude was a woman who loved life and her family, everyone she came in contact with was effected by her loving and caring nature. She was always willing to give a helping had to those who were in need. Gertrude did not look down on anyone and would feed anybody who came into her home.

Gertrude departed this life on August 13, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Joseph and Olivia Rhodes; husband, Jack John Williams, Sr.; brothers, Silas, Bobby and Roy Rhodes; sisters, Willie Olivia Scott and Lou Eva Washington.

Gertrude leaves to cherish her memory: loving and devoted children, Ivory J. Rhodes, Jacqueline A. Rhodes, Darrell L. Rhodes, Theresa R. Johnson (Van) and Mervin G. Rhodes; grandchildren, Denine Herrmann, Parrish Ponder, Sateria Ponder, Malik Pelsey, Candyce Johnson, Cameron Johnson, Darielle Rhodes, Caytlin Johnson, Princess-Zoe’ Jackson; great-grandchildren, Alicia Deal, Kendall Ponder, Ian Garner, Gabriel Finkton, and Xavier Herrmann; sisters, Josie Ford, Rose Singleton (John) and Carrie Washington (Cleaster); extended children, James Williams of Jackson, TN, Jack J. Williams Jr., (Evonne), Johnny Ellion (Gwen) and Clarissa Williams; children she raised, Shaquille Williams and Emmanuel Bell; a devoted cousin, Betty Coward Rhodes and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gertrude Williams passed away Tuesday, August 13th, 2019. Arrangements in Care of: Funerals by T.S. Warden, 904-765-1234