Patsy Delores (Johnson) Williams

Patsy Delores Williams (née Johnson) was the eldest daughter, born on February 18, 1947, in Arlington, Tennessee to the union of the late James R. Johnson and Margaret Mason Johnson. Her parents and older brothers, James Russell, Jr. (died as an infant,) and George William, preceded her in death.

Patsy claimed Christ as her savior at 7 years old at Belmont Missionary Baptist Church in Arlington, Tennessee under the leadership of Pastor L.R. Donson. She was an active church member her entire life starting with participating in the Red Circle and Sunshine Band children’s group, choir, and other activities at Belmont. When she married and moved to St. Louis, Missouri, Patsy joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Oliver K. Patterson, Sr. There she served as a deaconess, sang in the choir, worked with the Sunbeams children’s choir, and was a regular church school and small group participant.

Patsy graduated from Barret’s Chapel High School in 1964 and then from Tennessee State University in 1968 with a degree in Home Economics.  She was a Registered Dietician and completed her formal education with a Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1979.

Patsy married her high school sweetheart, James Williams, at Belmont Missionary Baptist Church on December 21, 1968. Their union was blessed with three biological children—Nikki, Geneva and James Patrick—but James and Patsy are known as “Pops” and “Mom” to many others.

Patsy retired from St. Louis Psychiatric Rehabilitation Hospital (formerly St. Louis State Hospital) after a successful 40-year career as a dietitian culminating as Director of Dietetic Services. There she made many friends and mentored many others who worked with her.

Patsy’s favorite pastimes included traveling (from road trips to every state in the contiguous U.S. with her husband and children to international tours with the Gills and Hollands), enjoying nature, (especially on the annual family camping trips to “Sam Baker”—Sam A. Baker State Park,) and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities. She enjoyed playing Scrabble and attending family member graduations. Also watching Mizzou games. We don’t know why, but Mom loved Mizzou basketball and football. (And now so do we.) Patsy was also the biggest St. Louis Cardinals fan. She particularly enjoyed the years she got to watch her favorite player, Willie McGee, knock home runs into right field or grab them from the other team with an amazing catch. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, James; children, Nikki (Adrian Washington), Geneva (Yusef Smith), James Patrick (Amy); sister, Carol Ann Johnson; brother, Dr. Samuel Terry Johnson (Naquia); sisters-in-love, Rose Johnson, Minnie P. Lewis, Hazel Johnson; grandchildren, Avery and Jenelle Washington, James Jeffery and Patrick Christopher Williams, Naeem, Darshaun, Zara, Xavier and Zeta Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and many other family members and friends.

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