Aldonia Williams

Deacon Aldonia "Dee" Elizabeth Williams

"To Everything, there is a season: A time to be born..."

Aldonia Elizabeth Williams, affectionately known to many as "Ms. Dee," was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 29, 1942, to the late Wyman and Elizabeth Welch. She was the third child born to their union.

In 1959, Dee and the late Wallace Ward, Sr. united in holy matrimony. Then in 1968, Dee and the late Bob Williams were united in holy matrimony. She was the loving, caring, and stern mother of three sons, Wallace Jr., Robert, and William. Her sons gave her immense joy.

"For I know the Plans I have for You..."

In 1973, Ms. Dee and her family moved to Gallivan Apartments in Mattapan, where she became a pillar in the community. Her life's work was as a community activist. Neighbors and friends alike considered her to be the heartbeat of Woodbole Avenue. She knew everyone by name and kept up with the progress of the neighborhood children as they excelled and became productive citizens. In her 50 years as a resident of Gallivan Apartments, she volunteered at several charity events. She coordinated numerous food and toy drives for the underprivileged. She also presided over the Boston Housing Gallivan Community Task Force, advocating for better living conditions for the residents. The Committee for Boston Public Housing and the Paralyzed Veterans of America awarded her several certificates of appreciation and recognition for her stellar involvement in the community.

Ms. Dee possessed a warrior spirit. She was feisty, tenacious, and always at the ready with a witty remark. She was a very loving person to all who came into her presence. She never met strangers and was always willing to assist anyone in need. She was known to many as a "mover and a shaker."

Just as important as her service to the community was her commitment to her family and those she loved.

"Present your body a living sacrifice..."

In 2005, Ms. Dee became aware of The Berachah Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Keith Magee, while volunteering for Vacation Bible School at the Gallivan Community Center. The same year, she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Above all, "Deacon Dee," was committed to God and His service, accepting the calling of a deacon in the Lord's Church. In her diaconate role she was consecrated to prepare and serve Holy Communion. Deacon Dee organized the Annual Community Day, which included organizing and giving children of school-age backpacks with supplies. She also assisted with Sunday School pickup. On any given Sunday, you could find her doing anything from hosting the coffee hour to helping serve meals to supporting the children's programs. She maintained a loving membership with The Berachah Church.

"I will not leave you comfortless..."

She heard the whisper, "Well done, my good and faithful servant," following a lengthy battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving sons on August 24, 2023. Although this fight may have appeared daunting, she trusted God through it all and was at enormous peace. Her unwavering faith kept her steadfast and unmovable, resting upon the promises of God that she would be with Jesus and see her loved ones again.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Wyman and Elizabeth; her husbands, Wallace Ward Sr. and Bob Williams; her son Robert; her sisters Geraldine Brown and Rhoda Deas; her brother Ronald Welch; and longtime caring friend Walter Hillman.

She leaves to lovingly cherish her memory her devoted sons Wallace "J.J" and William "Bill" both of Massachusetts; her beloved grandchildren Monique (Oliver), Wallace III "J.R.", Paige (John), Winston (Samantha), Wyman, Welsey, Jordan (Ivy), Serenity, William II, Winter, and Jed; her darling great-grandchildren Logan, Livie, Khaliq, Kaenyn, Caster, Anthony, Aubrey, London, and Lennox; her dear sister Valerie Schoonmaker of Massachusetts; her loving nieces and nephews; and an enormous village of relatives and friends.

Although the family has lost the true matriarch of their family, they are blessed to carry on the strength and courage that she taught them. She endeavored to have a community impact, gave her life to Christ, and accepted His calling. Now, she is at rest with Him.