Creola Williams

Mother Creola Leaston Williams was born on May 19, 1927, to the late Wilmer Leaston and Martha Randolph Leaston in Conecuh County, Evergreen, Alabama. As a child, she would work on the family's farm taking on many responsibilities like tending to cattle, feeding pigs and raising chickens. Creola was educated in Conecuh County School System walking more than seven miles one way to attend school for colored children. After she completed her lesson for the day she would return home to rear children and help on the farm.

In her early years, she married the late Willie James Sheppard in Alabama. From that union she bore three children, Willie Frank Sheppard, Dorothy Sheppard James and Jerry Dean "Nan" Sheppard. During this time she worked as a beautician and caretaker. She took pride in her work and loved to make a good first impression.

After the passing of her husband in the late 1940s, she intended to leave Alabama and move to Boston, Massachusetts to be with some of her brothers. While on her way to Boston, she came to Reidsville, GA to visit her sister Naomi. She quickly changed her mind and decided to stay in Reidsville moving to the Cox quarters and obtaining work in nearby fields.

In that time black community service was important, colored people supported one another. Creola showed support for her community by preparing lunches for the gentlemen building the nearby Springfield Church. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Reverend John C. Williams, Sr. The two were smitten with each other and entered into marriage in 1952. Within this union she gave birth to two more children, Reverend Dr. John C. Williams, Jr. and Linda Faye Williams.

Her life became very busy when Reverend Williams was ordained as a minister, making her the first lady to several churches. This meant she had to support her church and husband on a regular basis, sometimes without notice. She would cook large meals and welcome preachers before and after church. She would answer late night phone calls from families in distress and pray continuously for the members. She was a lady of honor and enjoyed being first lady to: St. Williams Missionary Baptist Church in Reidsville, GA, Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Claxton, GA, New Life Missionary Baptist Church in Aline, GA, St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church in Ludowici, GA, and Morning Glory Baptist Church in Jesup, GA. She went on to become a member of the Eastern Star and a pillar of the Reidsville Community.

Determined and strong-willed, Mother Williams believed in colored folks having education. She obtained training to work as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in Home Health Care and a cook for the local daycare and colored school. She cared for many people, especially children in these occupations, becoming the doting mother we all knew her to be.

After Reverend Williams passed, she spent her time raising children and attending church. She loved being a mother and grandmother. She would cook large meals everyday just so her children would have plenty to eat. She would get up early in the morning to water her flowers and pick fresh vegetables from her garden. Mother Williams spent time teaching the children how to sing and pray and would chauffer her friends back and forth to town.

She became the Mother of the Springfield Missionary Baptist Church and held that title over thirty years. She was always full of humor and excitement, and always ready to pray and sing when called. Creola was truly adored and quick to remind you that she raised you! Mother Creola Williams "MAW" entered into eternal rest on August 2, 2024. Her presence and her wit will certainly be missed. We will cherish her memories forever. We were blessed to have her. Job well done Maw, take your rest!

She was also preceded in death by: her sons, Willie Frank Sheppard and Reverend Dr. John C. Williams, Jr.; daughter, Dorothy Sheppard James; brothers; Wilmer Bill Leaston, Elmer "Jack" Leaston, Robert "Bob" Leaston, Ulonzia Leaston, Murge Leaston, Jethro William Leaston, and Coolidge Calvin Leaston; and sister, Naomi Leaston Groomes.

Her life and legacy will live on through: her daughters, Gary Dean "Nan" Sheppard and Linda Faye Williams; sister, Willie Pearl Leaston; along with a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing church members and friends.