Biography: Annette Marie Williams, affectionately known as “Netta” was born on July 11, 1965 to the late Edward E. Jones and Frankie Lee Martin in Harlem Hospital New York City. She was the youngest of two children.
Netta was raised in the Co-op City community of the Bronx . She took pride in this and always made it known she was “Section 5 for life”. She attended the NYC public school system and graduated in 1983 from Columbus High School . She then completed two years of college earning her Associates Degree at Bronx Community College. Netta then went on to work for the Internal Revenue Service where she retired after over 25 years of service.
To know Netta was to love her. To know her was to know that dressing up , putting on her makeup, buying nice things and looking good was apart of daily struts . More importantly, to know her was to know that she loved her family and the Lord above all things in this world . Netta didn't have “friends” , she had family . She would always say proudly “there’s no grey area with me … I either love you whole heartedly or I don’t”. At the center of her heart was her three children : Ladise Julianne Jones, Asia Ariel Williams and Reginald AJ Williams. Her pride and joy and main reason for going on each day , Netta loved her kids with her entire being. She knew her kids better than anyone and took no prisoners when it came to doing for them and protecting them in this cruel world . She would always say strongly “ my kids are my life” and she lived by this . Netta would openly and proudly discuss each of her children successes in their career, education or personal lives every opportunity given. Watching the seeds that she planted in her children blossom as they each achieved their dreams was her joy. While her kids were her heart , it was in the last few weeks of her life that Netta gained two new sparkles in her eyes- her two beautiful grandchildren - Amani and Amir . These two blessings kept her pushing in her most tiring times as she was determined to be here to meet them, love on them, feed them, find their fallen navels, watch them sleep and shower them every morning with her kisses . While she didn't finally determine whether she was GG or Glamma … Netta took so much pride in her final title on this Earth as a grandmother.
She leaves to mourn her devoted mother Frankie Lee Jones who day in and out was the epitome of the tough love she needed ; her one and only older brother Edward E. Jones Jr. who from birth was her protector and own personal gentle giant; her loving husband Reginald Williams III who stood by his wedding vows and her side until her last hour ; two daughters LaDise Julianne Jones and Asia Ariel Williams , one son Reginald AJ Williams and two grandchildren Amani and Amir who gave her continued strength on the daily basis and in her darkest hours and a host of aunts, cousins, nieces , nephews and friends.
Netta touched the lives of many people throughout her life . Whether it was her
affectionate smile or smart mouth … as stated before to know her was to love her. And to REALLY know her was a blessing for each life she touched. We all know Netta battled with Sickle Cell Anemia her entire life . She consistently beat all odds and left doctors/nurses speechless at what she could do when they said she couldn’t. Her endurance and strength was an inspiration to all who were blessed to share time with her . She fought to her last days and meant every word she said. She was not going back to any hospital! Netta passed away in her home , in her bed, with her family and at utter peace during her sleep . Our warrior was tired of the pain but fought to the end and bowed out so gracefully. And while we all want to cry and ask for more time, Netta would tell us all pick up our heads , handle our business and LIG IT (Let it Go) . Don't dwell on it, move on with the knowledge and words she gave us, hear her in our actions and thoughts. She loved life and she loved us all… and she would want this to bring us continued peace.
