Across Generations

This narrative serves as a record for descendants of Reverend Elmore and Mrs. Carlethia Williams.  Elmore Williams, Sr. and Carlethia Dentley Williams were married on February 25, 1939. Elmore died on June 27, 1996. He is buried in the North Santee community of Georgetown County.

Wright Dentley and Katie Brown Dentley were born during the 1890’s.

Wright Dentley who is believed to have originally migrated from Kentucky came to Georgetown, South Carolina from Columbia, South Carolina with two small children. He also had a brother named Isaac who was a school teacher in Columbia. Katie Brown Dentley, whose father was Reverend Eddie Brown came from a community in Georgetown County, called “Gap Way” located near Sampit. Katie Brown Dentley died in Phildelphia, Pennsylvania at the age of 93 in 1983. She is buried in the Sampit community of Georgetown County, South Carolina.

Susan Cuttino Williams was married to Watson Williams and had three children before his death. She had five more children by her second husband Wesley Williams (no relations to Watson). The Williams and Cuttino families are from the Browns Ferry and Oatland Communities of Georgetown County, South Carolina.

Carlethia’s Siblings:  Mary (George), Robert, Martha 1914-2004 (William), Benjamin 1915-1996 (Leola), English 1916-2002 (Mattie), Sarah 1917- (George), Wright 1922- (Mattie), Johnny 1927-?(Bertha), Corrine 1931-2007 (Willie),  Hampton 1936-.

Elmore’s Siblings: George (Helen), Benjamin, Daisy 1913-2003 (Allen), Nathan “Sonny” (Rebecca), Fannie 1919-2004 (George), Wesley (Dena), Everlena 1922-1997 (Frank).

Elmore’s and Carlethia’s 9 Children: Marva Elaine (Farris – deceased); Clio 1941 – 2012 (Mildred – deceased) Carolyn;  James (Adele – deceased) Linda; Elmore Jr. (Barbara); Ashley Levern (Carol – deceased); Gerald Carsell (Lola – deceased) Donna; Cecil  (Peggie) divorced; Cheryl Leerma (Robert); and Bridget Valerie (Timothy). 20 Grandchildren:  Darryl Lee, (Angela Jenee – deceased); Melodye Renee; Kim Michele; Adriane Renee; Malcolm Shawn; Janet Denise; Steven James; Elmore Wesley; Tanisha Jenee; Keristen Joy “Kay”; Ashley “Lil Ashley”; Jawana LaTrice; Tamika Genise; Ulander Alexander; Benvenuto Cerico “Ben”; Cecil Ugander; Tallesa; William Patrick; and Aisha Pamela. 18 great grandchildren: Donita; Angela; Tru; Tyler; Sharrod; Justin; Payton; Jared; Auwechenon; Lydia; Jasmine; Zion; Amaraih Elizabeth; Asadah; Ja’qui; Makahi; Ceciala and Jeremy Calab Collins.  1 great great grandchild: Chanz.

Mrs. Carlethia Williams 90^th Birthday Celebration (Georgetown Times)

When I returned from Baumhoder, Germany in the early 70’s, I also returned to my home church, Mt. Zion A.M.E. in the North Santee area. The late Rev. Elmore Williams was serving as pastor at that time. He received me with open arms, as did his lovely wife, Mrs. Carlethia Williams. Mrs. Williams was a very quiet first lady, but she had a heart of gold. She usually sat across from the pulpit area on the left side of the church in the front pew. Sometimes during revival services or worship services, she would sing her favorite song, “Just keep on praying, the Lord is nigh; just keep on praying, He’ll hear your cry. The Lord has promised, and His Word is true, just keep on praying, He’ll answer you.” Mrs. Williams could get the church stirred up with that song, and with her testimony.

When I lost my seven-year-old daughter in 1977, Rev. and Mrs. Williams’ comforting faces were among my first visitors. I will never forget how much that visit meant to me. Rev. Williams has since gone on to be with the Lord a few years ago, but the good woman behind the good man has kept the household and the faith. She retired from working a short time ago after much prodding from many people, but she has never retired from her duties of serving the Lord and being a spiritual mother for many.

Her immediate family of nine children, twenty-one grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grand, saw fit to give her a 90th birthday party. The celebration was held Saturday, August 7th, at the Williams home on Palm Street, and Sunday, August 8th at Macedonia FBH Church. The celebration began at 2 p.m. Saturday where she was surrounded by numerous family and friends. It concluded at the church on Sunday morning with heart filled worship service and with an announcement from the pastor that the day was “Mother Williams Day.”

This day was also endorsed by the church family. Mrs. Carlethia Williams is the 5th of nine children born to the late Wright and Kate Dentley on August 9, 1920.  She had a very religious upbringing and followed it all of her life. We would like to thank “Mother Williams” for all of her contributions for the good of others. We wish her many more happy birthdays, and pray God’s richest blessings upon her.

Gloria Ford

Georgetown Times

Published Wednesday August 25, 2010