Mrs. Lou Lou Wiliams, daughter of Isaac and Mosie L. Hall, was born on September 28, 1927, in Luray, TN. She was called to Heaven on Monday. October 28, 2024. Her favorite scriptures come from the Book of Psalms. We were reading together in her final hours at home.
She was raised in a religious home with 8 siblings. Daddy Ike was a World War I Veteran, a farmer and school bus driver (in those days, you had to purchase your own bus). Mama Mosie L, daughter of a pioneer farmer, was a homemaker who loved to garden and can vegetables. Mother often sat on the back porch with her and helped. She visited Mama and Daddy Ike about every weekend and again if the needed something in between; Mother was there.
Mother attended Luray C.M.E. Church where her granddad was Rector and where she was baptized and confirmed.
She went to Luray School and graduated from Montgomery in Lexington, TN.
Mother married Daniel Raspberry and soon after she completed cosmetology courses in Nashville, TN. She graduated from Lane College in Jackson, TN, earning a B.A, Degree in elementary education.
Daniel passed away and mother continued to live in Lexington and attended what is now Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. Mother then married Commodore Williams, an army veteran, and soon moved to Paducah, KY. Commodore passed away after a long illness.
Mother joined St. John A.M.E. Church where she was active in Sunday School, vacation bible school, and served as a Trustee. She always sent tithes and offerings when unable to be there in person.
Mother was called to teach at a Rosenwald School, Woodland Elementary, in the Hills Chapel Community where she would pick children up if they somehow needed a ride to school. Then, she began teaching at Lone Oak High School. Mother earned certification in Library Science and began working at the newly built Lone Oak Middle School thus being the first black teacher in McCracken County Public Schools.
Afte retiring in 1990, she stayed in touch with co-workers, each having a specific day to go to lunch or talk on the phone.
Mother enjoyed walking in the park and the mall. She spent time with family while preparing them Xmas dinner every year in her home. Everyone received a gift in addition to their meal.
She enjoyed traveling by plane to visit in the states only. Mother opened her heart to welcome many of the family for overnight visits or longer if necessary.
Some notables: Certificate of recognition for Outstanding Service at Vacation Bible School; currently serving as Trustee at St. John A.M.E. Church; honored as a Matriarch of the Faith for Outstanding Membership & Service at St. John A.M.E. Church; Honoree as Matriarch of the Faith on Women’s Day – Hills Chapel and St. John; appreciation for services rendered toward educating the students of Paducah by Burks Chapel A.M.E. Church in Paducah, KY; certificate of appreciation form the United Negro College Fund; membership in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, educator at an Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society Rosenwald School; certificates of appreciation from the McCracken Co. Education Association for her continuing contribution to the students and staff; featured in a student’s published book about her school experiences leading to an interview by the local newspaper and featured twice on their front pages and in an additional article in a local magazine; recognized by the President of Lone Oak Women’s Club for participating in book donations; certificates from Oaklawn Neighborhood Improvement Program; Duchess of Paducah; McCracken County KY Court Award; inclusion in Who’s Who Among Human Services Professionals and Who’s Who in American Education; excellence as an Educator Paducah / McCracken Co. Branch of NAACP; Resolution of Honor from McCracken Co. Board of Education for faithful service to her students, colleagues, Commonwealth of KY, United States of America; chosen by Delta Sigma Theta Paducah Alumnae Chapter as an Outstanding Woman of the Paducah area; Eastern Star – Queen Esther Chapter.
Mother, you have a special place in my heart.
Mother leaves to cherish her memories: Two Daughters, Dollie Ann Raspberry and Mary Ann Matthews McKendrick, both of Paducah, KY; Three sisters, Rosie Coffee of St. Petersburg, FL, Mae Moffitt of Elgin, IL and Betty Priddy of Lexington, TN; Five Grandchildren, George K. Matthews, Sr. (Ginna) of Fox Point, WI, Michelle Hill of Paducah, KY, Ricky Hill (Kim) of Manassas, VA; Rochelle Shelby (William) and David Hill, both of Paducah, KY; Eight Great-Grandchildren; Three Great Great-Grandchildren; Three Sisters, Rosa Mae Coffie of St. Petersburg, FL, Mae Moffett of Elgin, IL and Betty Priddy of Lexington, TN; Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.
Lou L. Williams will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2024,11:00 a.m. at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church with Reverend James Bolen and Reverend Alfred Anderson officiating.
Family will receive friends Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
