IDA MERCIEL WILLIAMS

Mrs. Ida M. Stewart Williams, wife of Mr. James L. Williams, was the daughter of the late Pearl Sallie (Stewart) Bonner and the late Wilbert Stewart Sr. She passed away after a brief period under hospice care at home on Wednesday December 2, 2020 cared for by her husband, daughters, grandchildren, and siblings. Ida Merciel Stewart was born on August 26, 1936 in Petersburg, VA. She graduated from Peabody High School in 1953, and from Virginia State University in 1959. She married James Lee Williams of Peterburg in May 13, 1959, and they moved to the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area in the early 1960s. They moved to Landover, Maryland in 1967 and permanently resided there. She is survived by her husband of 61 years Mr. James Lee Williams of Springdale (Landover) MD and their three daughters Sabrina (Alonzo) Wiggins of Durham, NC; Jamel (William) Coates of Indian Head, MD, and Cielia (David) Russell of Brandywine, MD, seven grandchildren: Charis (Anthony) Martin; Jordan (Krista) Morgan, David Bristo, Joshua Coates, Jahrod Coates, Jairus (Tijhana) Coates, and Nathaniel Russell, and eleven great-grandchildren. Two of her siblings Mr. Wilbert Stewart Jr. and Dr. Jewel Hope Stewart preceded her in death. Her remaining siblings are Dr. Germaine Stewart Fauntleroy, Mrs. Deborah (William) Gonzales Sr., Mr. Vincent (Susan) Stewart, Mrs. Carmencita Stewart and their children and grandchildren. Ida also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family members, friends and beloved church members. She was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Washington DC for over 50 years and served in a variety of roles: Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, member of the Senior Choir, member and former chairperson of the Deaconess Board for 28 years, leader of noonday prayer and the daily prayer line, member of the evangelism team, member of the homeless outreach ministry, as well as, serving as unofficial church nutritionist assisting in planning and preparing healthy and delicious meals for church events. Everyone that knew Ida was impressed by her love for God, her family, and for others. She was a faithful prayer warrior that stood in the gap for many during times of need and also gave practical, material assistance whenever needed. She was a creative person who loved flowers, gardening, and crafting, and would create beautiful embellished all occasional cards, bulletin boards and craft projects for her Sunday School and Vacation Bible School students. She was renowned for her wonderful cooking: as a professional dietician and nutritionist, she had the knack of preparing health-conscious yet flavorful and delicious meals that everyone loved. Those family friends and acquaintances fortunate enough to attend any of the monthly family prayer gatherings always came away deeply touched by the love and closeness of her family and the warm, inviting atmosphere of her home. Ida was never happier than when creating marvelous meals and physically and spiritually feeding people. Her kind, gracious, and giving spirit will be deeply missed by her family, loved ones and friends. Ida was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 Woman: “A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies Her husband has full confidence in her…she sets about her tasks vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks…she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy…she is clothed with strength and dignity…wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue…her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things but you surpass them all”…Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise” excerpted from Psalms 31, NKJ version In lieu of flowers, and in honor of her life and ministry, the family of Ida S. Williams ask for your contributions to Community Creative for Non-Violence Shelter of Washington, DC. Donations can be made through the Facebook page of Ida S. Williams or by contacting her daughter, Cielia J. Russell at cjrussell1@verizon.net

IDA MERCIEL WILLIAMS

August 26, 1936 - December 2, 2020