Christena Gadsden Williams (Galla) was born on October 4, 1928 to the late Hector and Clara Gadsden in Oakley, South Carolina. She transitioned to eternal life on Thursday, May 19, 2022.

Christena  was educated in the public schools of Berkeley County. At an early age, she gave her life to the Lord and joined Centenary United Methodist Church.  She served the Lord and her church faithfully as a member of the choir and as an usher until her health failed. She was a very private person, quiet but very firm, strong, and determined. Her favorite scripture was Revelation 21:3-4 and the Lord's Prayer.

Christena was blessed to join in holy matrimony to the late Nathaniel Williams, Sr. of Oakley, SC in July 1948.  To this union eight children were born. She loved her children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Christena had a love of cooking and preparing family meals while working for many years at the Berkeley Restaurant in Moncks Corner, SC.  She was also blessed with the gift of sewing many beautiful quilts by hand.

Christena was preceded in death by her son Clarence Williams, Sr. and daughter Richardeen W. Shine; siblings: Elouise Jones, Evelina Gethers, Mary Brown, Jackson Gadsden, Sarah Green Smith and her twin brother Joseph, who passed away at a very early age.

Those left to cherish her memories, her children:  Dora Jean (Alfred) Spann, Jr. of Smyrna, DE; Barbara Ann (Alphonso) Rivers of Benson, NC; Nathaniel (Debbie) Williams, Jr. of Temple Hills, MD; Robert L. (Gwendolyn) Williams of Jacksonville, FL; Kenneth L. (Marjorie) Williams of Woodbridge, VA; Derrin E. (Denise) Williams of Triangle, VA; special Grandson Kevin F. (Brenda) Williams of Summerville, SC; daughter-in-law Sherry J. Williams of Columbia, SC; 24 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren; siblings: Maggie Bracey of North Charleston, SC; Jestine Rodgers of Philadelphia, PA and Victoria Ferguson of Brooklyn, NY; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Viewing will be held Friday, May 27, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Face masks are required. Graveside service will be held Saturday, May 28, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Centenary United Methodist Church Cemetery, 1831 Old Highway 52, Moncks Corner, SC.