FAYETTE — Services for Gwendolyn Artimease Haley Williams, 69, who died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, at her son, Jacques’ residence, will be noon Wednesday at Hollywood Baptist Church, in Fayette, with the Rev. E.E. Colenberg officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Spencer Funeral Home in Fayette.

Mrs. Williams was born Oct. 8, 1948, in Natchez, the daughter of Joseph Patrick and Emma Rebecca Haley.

She joined Hollywood Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of the late Rev. Monroe J. Irving.

She was a 1965 graduate of Liddell High School. She furthered her education at Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College and received her bachelor of science degree in 1968. While attending college, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After graduating from college, she was united in matrimony to James Williams and to this union two children were born, Jacques and Julian.

Gwen later moved to Vancouver, Wash., and started her career in educating children — her greatest aspiration. She taught school at Marrion Elementary School, John C. Marshall and Cascade Junior High School. After 30 years, she entered into retirement. She continued to advance her education by obtaining her master of science degree in elementary education from Portland State University and principal internship from Washington State University. Gwen was an active member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Portland, Ore., under the leadership of the Rev. David Jordan.

In 2009, Gwen moved to Atlanta where she became affiliated with the Friendship Community Church and served as an usher. She was a “Golden” member of the Tau Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority in Atlanta.

Gwen will be forever remembered for having a true servant heart, her warm contagious smile, entertaining sense of humor and being a woman of faith for the Haley/Williams families. She shaped their spirituality by her tireless Christian example.

Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy was shown through her constant smiling, laughter and joking around and will never be forgotten. She enjoyed her life to the fullest and stayed on ready to spend every moment she could with her sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren whom she cherished dearly.

With a real zest for life, she loved spending time with her family, shopping, participating in community service activities with her sorority and church, decorating and reading. Also, one of her greatest love was traveling — being it getting her car and taking a road-trip to come visit her precious sister with whom she shared a bond like none other in Fayette — and/or taking family vacations around the country and cruising across the seas.

The precious memories of Gwen will forever linger in the hearts and minds of her two beloved children.

Survivors include two sons, Jacques and wife, India, and Julian and wife, Kaley, and their father, James Williams; one dear sister, Linda Coffie and husband, Kenneth, of Fayette; two brothers, Joseph R. Haley and wife, Karen, of Columbus, Ga., and Monroe Clark and wife, Bobbie, of New Orleans; two sisters-in-law, Karen Haley of Portland and Bettie Peoples of Baltimore; seven grandchildren, Jadin Ramone, Jace Nicole, Kortlaund Asti, Kolton Hunter, Ahmani, Xavier, Trinity and a precious bundle of joy on the way; special friend, Theresa Barnes of Los Angles; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, sorors, other relatives and friends.