Biography: Maude B. Williams, lovingly known to some as Ms. Maude, was born on September 25, 1921 in Stapleton, Georgia to Charlie and Minnie Burley. She received her early education in Jefferson County.
She decided in her adolescence to move to New York. She lived in a rooming house in Brooklyn with a few friends. There she met the debonair Thermon Williams (deceased) swept her off her feet. She moved to Harlem and they married and had six children. Later they relocated to the Bronx, Patterson Houses.
Maude was a loving homemaker and spent her days cooking and cleaning for her children. While living there Maude met some wonderful families and friends in the building. She became acquainted with many community members. She loved to cook and sew. She would cook and feed anyone who was hungry. Many came to her for sewing lessons or make outfits. Maude became good friends with Lucy Reece(deceased). They would walk and window shop while the children were in school. She enjoyed spending time with her Cuz/Sister, Isadora Simms (deceased). They spent hours on the phone when time permitted. There were many picnics, parties and card games. Central park was the meeting place. She worked in a few dress factories sewing.
After accepting employment with the Board of Education as a Para Professional, she decided to apply for her High School Diploma. Maude attended College of New Rochelle for one year. She continued to teach Special Education until her retirement.
Maude relocated to Eastchester Gardens and established new friendships. She joined the Rain Senior Citizen where she was very active. She said what she meant and meant what she said. She had a loving spirt but spoke her mind. She loved her family and did anything for them.
Maude B. Williams now joins all those she loved who have gone before her. Her parents, nine brothers and sisters, her daughter Geraldine, close friend Betty Jackson, Grandson Devin, Grand daughter, Lisa.
She leaves behind: her last surviving sisters: Mary Butt, Barbra Sapp, Francis Sapp and Louise Burley; one brother, Charles Burley; her five children: Erskine, Timothy, Jeanie, Thermon and Derrick; one son-in-law, three daughters- in-law, sixteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, one niece/daughter and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. The family acknowledges Deja Williams for her outstanding commitment to her grandmother.
This little light of ours dimmed peacefully on the morning of February 2, 2019, but her spirit will always shine bright like a diamond in our hearts. She will always be our little firecracker who exploded with lots of love and joy. We love and miss you Grandma !
Lovingly Submitted by the Williams Family
