Ethel Rene Williams

Ethel Rene “Minnie Lee” Williams, 90 of Holly Grove, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, October 29 at The Villages of Dallas. 


Minnie Lee was born on May 5, 1933 in Holly Grove, Arkansas (Monroe County, Duncan Township) to Mae Ida Cotton and Feaster “F.L.” Love. She was reared in a Christian environment by her beloved mother and stepfather, Harrison Johnson.


Minnie Lee accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized in East Lake by Rev. E.C. Goldsberry and became a member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev. Goldsberry. 


Minnie Lee’s initial education began in the home. She continued her education in the Duncan Township one-room school and the Holly Grove Vocational Colored School.


On June 11, 1948, she united in holy matrimony to John Henry Williams.


Minnie Lee worked hard throughout her life to support her family. In the 1990’s, she worked as a substitute teacher in Holly Grove Vocational High School and with the FHA Job Creation Program. In addition, she served as a member of Chapter 1 Advisory Committee, the Homeless Parents Training Workshops, the State of Arkansas’ Number 24 Court of Calanthe Amarantha, Treasurer of Monroe County Number 4678 AARP, St. Luke’s Church Choir and Finance Committee, and the Monroe County Singing Union.


 Her parents; grandparents, Elbert and Rosie Jackson Cotton, Ed and Betty Hopson Love; brothers, Nathaniel Love, Elbert Moody, and Aaron H. Johnson; children, Valeria Jean, Stanley Arnell and Larry Varnell Williams; grandchildren, Julius and Juliana Ellis; and other relatives preceded her in death. 


She is survived by: children, Vera Williams, John Williams (Carolyn), Mary Alexander (LaDell), Rev. Leotis Love (Emily), Maj. Danny Williams (Lisa) and Dr. Stanley Ellis (Dr. Jessica); grandchildren, Jackie, Kelly (Troi), Vernell, Corey (Samantha), LaTonya (Ronald), Michelle, Rickeya, Derrick (Dr. Ashlee), Cpl. Avery, Darrien, Kayron, Kalicia, Jazmyn, Julien, and Quintus; a host of great grandchildren, other relatives, friends and a family of faith.


Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 11 AM at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, Highway 86 East in Holly Grove with Pastor William Black officiating. Interment will take place at Hayes Cemetery in Holly Grove. Funeral services provided by C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley (870) 589-5036 email: williamsfuneraldirectors2022@gmail.com and web address: www.williamsfuneralhome.net

Pallbearers are: Corey Alexander, Derrick Williams, Esq., CPL. Avery Williams, Vernell Jones, Monte’ Williams and Clovis Hampton.