Catherine Gayle Virginia Williams
May 20, 2020
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Service Details
Catherine Gayle Virginia Williams, born on November 21, 1914 to Godfrey and Ethel Williams, the fourth of seven children, Maxine, Herbert, Cecilia, Richard, Cornell and Paul. Catherine passed away on May 20, 2020. Public visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 2020 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Private funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Des Moines. Guests will be invited to join Catherine’s service virtually through the link in her obituary website.
Catherine attended the Des Moines schools, graduating from North High School in 1932. Following a dancing career of 16 years, she received a business college degree from Cortez Peters in Chicago, a B.S. degree from Drake University, and her master’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa. Catherine was an employee of the state of Iowa for 33 years, beginning as a secretary and retiring in 1981 as Deputy Commissioner for the Iowa Department of Social Services. During her career, Catherine received an Honorary Doctoral degree from Simpson College, Distinguished Alumnus from Drake University, Social Worker of the Year, Mark Hale Lecture Award from the University of Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame in 1982, North High School Distinguished Alumna, Mary Louise Smith Award from the Y.M.C.A., and the Iowa African American Hall of Fame. In 2010, the local chapter of N.A.S.W. initiated an annual award in Catherine’s name for social workers in diversity. In 2018 she earned both the Sages Over 70 Award, and the Drake University National Alumni Award in Community Service. In 2019 she was inducted into the National Association of Social Workers Foundation Pioneers Program.
Catherine was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church since childhood, serving as a Sunday school teacher, class leader, steward, a member of the William Sampson Brooks Missionary Society, and was the histographer for the North District of the Illinois Annual Conference. Catherine was also a member of the Y.W.C.A., Racial Justice, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Des Moines Chapter of The Links, Inc., life member of the N.A.A.C.P., The Bridges Club, Hostess Club, and past member of the Mary Church Terrell #2 and the Book Lovers Club.
Catherine married Richard Williams, Jr. in 1963. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Williams, Jr in 1995 and her brother, Dr. Paul G. Williams of Los Angeles. She is survived by her nephew, Thomas Clinton; nieces, Lorna Long and Helen Smith; great-nieces, Aidah and Amani Clinton; great-nephew, Asad Clinton; and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
The Jacksons
06/27/2020
We send our sincere condolences to the family and many friends. Truly adored this wise women who inspired me to keep dancing. She is a heart of genuine gold. Never missed a birthday or holiday with a card and a little cash. Dance in heaven Aunt Catherine. Love you.
David A. Smith
06/27/2020
I want to offer my sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Catherine Gayle Williams, as I knew her(I always called her that). In 1982 I was given the remarkable privilege of writing my Master of Social Work Thesis on Catherine, entitled "A Role Model For Social Work: Catherine Gayle Williams." I spent many hours with Catherine for my research in her lovely home. She was a gracious and wonderful human being, and will be deeply missed. But, the things she did for others will be remembered for ever.
Fortunately, last November, on her 105 birthday I was able to speak with her on the phone. We had a marvelous conversation and made plans for a dinner engagement for the next visit I made to Iowa(I live in Idaho presently). Now, when I do visit Iowa next, I will go to dinner and toast a glass to Catherine, in fond memories of her impactful life on us all.
Akilah Walker
06/27/2020
We send are deepest Condolences Aunt Catherine you will truly be missed....God Bless Your Beautiful Soul....Kiss my Grandmother for me.....
We Love You Aunt Catherine
From The Las Vegas Walker Family
Artis Reis
06/26/2020
Catherine was a role model, mentor, boss, and friend. I am so grateful to have known her. She taught me by guidance and example. Her grace, smile, humor will live on. Rest In Peace.
Glenn & Ann-Marie Baughman
06/26/2020
Catherine's legacy rests in the lives of Iowans who benefited from the values she lived out: the dignity and worth of each person and their right to receive the care and support they require for a positive life. I'll always remember when she was over one hundred years how her voice filled a large hall packed with people and the microphone failed but we could hear every word she shared about a retiring colleague. Performer to the end without peer. May you now take your well deserved rest!
Wendy Morton-Green
06/25/2020
I grew up next door to Aunt Catherine and Uncle Rich for most of my life. I would talk to Uncle Rich when he was cutting the grass, hanging over the fence. When I would come home from college I would sit at Aunt Katherines kitchen table and listen to her wisdom. In the summer Aunt Katherine would invite her niece Muriel to come visit and I would have summer friend for a few weeks to play & explore with. I always bragged about Aunt Katherine and her life. Being a "Cotton Club" Dancer was "it" for me! I had just been home to Des Moines in early 2019 and had a chance to sit at her kitchen table and watch as a 105 year old women baked a 'Strawberry Rhubarb pie from scratch. Once again I was amazed and impressed with my Aunt Catherine. May you rest in Peace with Uncle Rich!
Cecilia Collier
06/22/2020
To Catherines Family and Friends,
It is with grave sadness that I write this. We lost an Angel on Earth on May 20th. All of us who knew her, spent time talking to and working with her whether at church, in social or charitable organizations, professionally or personally in her life at home, knew we were in the presence of someone uniquely gifted and special. We were blessed with her intellect, her passion, her humor and her grace! Her absence leaves a void in all our lives! But because she was so special, so kind, so giving, so appreciative and so very loving we were blessed to have had her in our lives for any time of her 105 years. I will miss calling her phone number, receiving her thoughtful cards and notes, seeing her from time to time and making her fudge during the Christmas holiday. But there is no doubt in my mind that she is Home - with Richard, her brothers and sisters, her parents and her Father in Heaven where she had the consummate Faith that she would be. Rest In Peace and Gods love, dear Catherine - youve completed a job well done! You are missed and always loved, my dear friend.
Cecilia Collier
Christopher Johnson
06/19/2020
"Auntie Catherine" was a mentor, guardian, teacher and more to me. At the "young" age of 78, Catherine made the journey to Japan to be present for my wedding. The folks there were amazed by the regal, youthful and classy African-American Queen! And perhaps that was her greatest gift to us all - she was royalty, but ever so humble, caring and lovable.
The Lord called you home, but a part of you will forever be in my heart.
Thank you Catherine!
Love, Christopher, Mitsue and Family
Haold Templeman
06/08/2020
I was saddened to see of Catherines passing. She and I were friends who worked together for at least 20 years at DHS starting when we were both at the Polk County offce and ending at the state office. She was a beautiful woman in every aspect of her life. I remember her 100th birthday celebration where she went up to the podium and stood for a long period of time to talk about her life and friends. The last time I saw her was at a piano concert given by my wife Joyce and Joyces two piano partner. She just woudnt quit. She made me a better human being and social worker. My life was forever changed because of Catherine and I will never forget her. The world was a much better place because of Catherine.
Wanda Terrell(Calaway)
06/08/2020
Wow! What an amazing example of a Woman of God. I met Catherine when I began working for the Dept. Of Human Services, straight out of high School. Although she was my superior, she always treated me as a co-worker. I was ecstatic every time we ran into each other over the years. I truly loved her. You will be missed by many, but I will see you again! You deserve those seven words we all want to hear God say, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant"! Gone, but never forgotten.
Mary McCracken
05/26/2020
Catherine was one of God 's amazing Angel's. Always the same always Beautiful. She will be missed. Rest in heaven Catherine.Jesus is waiting .
Justine Morton
05/24/2020
You knew me my entire life. I will miss you and your wisdom and your thoughtfulness. Your life was a testimony to how to live a full life.My fondest memories were you and uncle Rich at Christmas brunch.
Odell McGhee
05/24/2020
Catherines Poem Thoughts on being 100 years old.
Seeing freedom come to the mountains and forests,
she looked out the corner of her eye
and in a blink
decades had passed into dust.
She does not know where heaven begins
or how many times the sun has slipped below the horizon,
but lovers still walk and hold hands on breezy spring days
knowing that love done right can change the world.
The autumn dreams of a humane world are still far away;
but the clouds still sleep at midnight,
mighty rivers flow,
spring comes anew,
and bells ring as children play and sing warm songs.
Flickering and floating,
the oceans of long ago still do not drift away.
The tide forever returns
interchanging sadness and gladness
with each new day.
The old black cat still sat near the corner
on languid evenings watching the crescent moon
happily touching the cold nights,
hanging onto yesterdays dreams and smiles.
She has no shame or regrets and has touched all kinds
cheering their morning glories and healing their defeats.
Strong in voice, body, and mind,
she loves who she is.
Her eternity
is what she gave to earth.
Like the rich, the famous,
the millions in poverty,
or wars and rumors of destruction;
there has been little or no change.
Positive, through hardships, she knows the secrets inside the patterns of life,
she remembers many things as she walks along to her front door.
She is proud that she worked hard,
loved,
and that the phone still rings in the morning concerning talk of today.
There are few shadows in the forest and flowers spreads across hills and valleys.
What matters in life most
is she loved
and impacted the life of children and friends.
She has scattered seeds on the earth
that will become trees
that shall reach the sky. Ogm 11/14
( This selection was written on Catherine's 100th Birthday. She loved it and I enjoyed writing it.)
Valeska Buie
05/24/2020
My Link, My Wednesday Lunch Date, I will remember you always! She was a mentor on how to live each day with purpose, reverence and service to God. I am much better because of her friendship. Everyone should be so blessed to have a friend like Catherine.
Andye Jones
05/24/2020
My heart is sad. A true Iowa legend and pioneer has passed on...A life well lived with much to be proud of. Catherine G. Williams didnt take any mess but she was real! I was afraid of her when I first met her at St. Paul AME church and I thought she was mean! She was very stern when need be and straight to the point! As I got to know her better I learned she was a genuinely loving soul...she just expected more...especially from African American women. I learned she was a Social Worker like me and that shed served as the first African American director of DHS ( my former job). Catherine also told me that as a teen she had a crush on my grandfather! She had a great sense of humor. She was also a professional dancer for many years in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles and I heard she was quite good! When I left the church I didnt keep in contact with Ms. Catherine but I would see her in the community from time to time over the years. I had the chance to visit with her and witness her receiving a prestigious award from NASW in November 2019. She was much smaller and frail but just as spunky and stern. Full of spirit! Hearing of her passing made me sad but I smiled knowing she lived a long and productive life. 105 years old! A life she could be proud of and she left a legacy for African American women and for all women. She was and will always be an Iowa legend. Much respect Queen. Your work here is done. Well done well done. RIP
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