A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2020 Woodyard Rd, Riegelwood, NC 28456.

Annette Delorise Williams, a loving mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2024. Born on September 28, 1946, in Columbus County. She was preceded in death by her mother, Viola King McNeil, sister, Vina Blanks and Grandson, Marcel G. Burns, Jr.  Annette dedicated her life to her family, church, United National Masons and Order of Eastern Star, Inc., Star of David OES Chapter #007 and community, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.  Annette served as Financial Secretary for Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sandyfield, North Carolina.  As a mother, Annette's love for her children, Cedrick, Joe, Antoinette and Yvette, knew no bounds. She instilled in all of them the importance of kindness, empathy, perseverance, and values that would guide them throughout their life. Annette's bond with her sons-in-law, Edward Bennett and Philip Calligan and daughters-in-law, Patricia and Keisha Smith, were equally strong, as they shared a mutual respect and admiration for one another.   One of Annette's greatest joys in life was being a grandmother to her fourteen grandchildren: Cynthia, Eric, Marchel (Anderson), Danielle, Breanna, Marcquel, Maurice, Kiara (William), Marcquez, Mikail, Kristal, William, Joshua and the late Marcel Burns, Jr. (Lorrany). She cherished every moment spent with them, from attending special school events to sharing family meals.  Annette was immensely proud of her twelve great-grandchildren: She was delighted by watching them grow and develop into caring, intelligent young individuals. She had a special love for her nieces, Kristol Lawson and Saree' Evans, nephew Kevin Blanks and her siblings, Clara Brown, Thomas Williams, Betty Brown, Vivian Daniels, Sadie Murray, Reverend Stephen (Cassandra) Williams, and a very special aunt, Aleathia Stanley. Annette also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends to cherish her memory. Her love for her family was boundless, and her presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.  Throughout her life, Annette was known for her warm heart and infectious smile. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, creating lasting friendships wherever she went. Her dedication to her family and her faith was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Annette's passing leaves a void in the lives of her family and friends, but her legacy of love, faith, and compassion will continue to inspire those who knew her. As we mourn her loss, let us also celebrate the incredible life she lived and the indelible mark she left on our hearts.