Katie Bernice Williams
April 24, 1926 ~ April 16, 2019
Katie Bernice (Hicks) Williams
92, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on April 16, 2019 at St. Vincent Hospital, surrounded by her family. Bernice was born on April 24, 1926 to the late China (Braden) and Maynard Hicks in Newcomb, TN.
Growing up during the depression, as a child of 15 children, she came from very humble beginnings. She would later move to Indianapolis for work and to raise her family on Indianapolis’ Westside, where she still lived at the time of her death. She retired from Western Electric in 1981 after 26 years of service.
She was the matriarch and the rock of her family. Her family was everything to her and only second to her faith and love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a faithful member of the New Beginnings Church in Plainfield. She loved going “down home” to Tennessee to visit family. She also enjoyed family reunions, birthdays, Christmas and other holidays where the family would gather to enjoy some of her home cooked meals. She never met a stranger, and if you were a friend, you quickly became family. She would always make sure you never left her home hungry and often would make you a care package to take home with you. Her grandchildren always looked forward to her homemade fudge she would make for each of them every Christmas.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband James Williams; daughters Jean Boston, Joan Guffin; grandson Jeffrey Boston and 14 siblings.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Judy Merriman, Janie (Ken) Cox; 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and her sweet little dog and companion, Susie.
Visitation will be held Friday April 19th from 2-7pm at Carlisle- Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, IN, with services beginning at 7pm Friday in the funeral home.
Additional visitation and services will take place on Monday April 22nd from 12-2pm, with funeral services starting at 2pm at Harp Funeral Home, 572 S. Main Street Jellico, TN 37762. She will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband James, in Douglas Cemetery, Newcomb, Tennessee.
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I am so sorry for the loss of one so dear and special. God bless the family.
May God Bless your family with an abundance of peace and comfort during this time!
I spent as much time at Bernice’s house when I was a teen as I did my own. Such a dear, sweet person. I still have several recipes of hers. Prayers to Judy and rest of family. Love, Linda
I used to go down to Bernice’s house just to sit out on the front porch in the glider she had and we would just talk about life in general and the life us girls as she would say would be going. The southern accent she had reminded me of my mom this woman was a good friend and mother and grandmother I love you Bernice say hi to my mom
I loved spending time with Bernice (Granny). I had not seen her in years but I can still hear her laugh. Such a very special lady. I will always remember her.
Although I did not know her well I know she was a sweet and special lady, she touched my life as I am sure she did so many others. My heart breaks for everyone loss and you are all in my prayers. God bless. Vikki Hartley
We have many wonderful memories of worship services with Sister Williams. She always had an encouraging word for everyone and the biggest smile. Knowing she is home with our Lord is a comfort but she will be missed here on earth by many.
So sorry for your loss Prayers for you all, I love you all. I remember how Bernice always made me laugh.
Please accept my family’s sincere condolences on the loss of your dear loved one Mrs. Williams. May you find comfort in fond memories of her, and hope in God’s assured promise to shortly awaken those asleep in death to perfect health and conditions under his new earthly government.