Mrs. Dollie Bradley Williams, 88, widow of the late Senator DeWitt Williams, transitioned from earth to her heavenly reward on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Roper Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina.

Born on February 3, 1929 in Bishopville, Lee County, SC, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Alice Bradley.

Mrs. Williams was a lifelong, devoted member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, joining St. John AME Church in the Church Woods Section of Bishopville, SC at an early age. At the time of her death, she was a member of Allen AME Church having served as Local President for the Women's Missionary Society, Young People's Division (YPD) President, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Former President and member of the Senior Choir, and a member of Class #5, where served as Interim Class Leader for three years. She was also the President of the Young at Heart Group at Allen AME Church. Mrs. Williams held positions in the Kingstree District and Palmetto Conference with the Women's Missionary Society. She enjoyed attending WMS Connectional Meetings and travelling to AME General Conferences. She also chaired the Allen AME Church Anniversary on numerous occasions. Her work in the church also included directing the Easter and Christmas programs for youth and sharing the morning announcements for many years. Those in the community sought her to assist in drafting church and funeral programs as well as obituaries. Mrs. Williams was a proud member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary Unit in St. Stephen, SC.

Dollie, as she was affectionately known, graduated from Dennis High School, Bishopville, SC on June 10, 1946, and attended Allen University, Columbia, SC receiving a B.A. degree in Education with a minor in Physical Education in 1950.

She moved to St. Stephen, SC in 1952 to teach at St. Stephen Colored Primary School. She pursued further studies at Hampton University, College of Charleston and The Citadel. Employed as an elementary and middle school teacher in the Berkeley County School District for over 30 years, Mrs. Williams was a very kind, very generous and witty person who took pride in being a good mother, devoted grandmother, loyal sister and a mother figure and friend to all whose hearts she touched. Her grandchildren were her jewels which she doted over every chance she got.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, The Honorable DeWitt Williams; siblings, Clarendon "Shorty" Bradley, Nizie Bradley Thomas, Rosa Lee "Teddy" Bradley Dicks, Clarence Bradley, Ray Bradley and Sammie Bradley.

Left to mourn and cherish loving memories are: daughter Mrs. DeVetta Dolett Williams (Randy) Hughes of Summerville, SC; son, The Honorable Winston DeWitt (Melissa) Williams of St. Stephen, SC; one granddaughter, Lindsay Marie Williams of St. Stephen, SC; four grandsons, Winston Dewitt Williams, II of St. Stephen, SC, Mitchell Henry Hughes, Brian Leonard Hughes and Andrew Lewis Hughes all of Summerville, SC; one sister, Ms. Perto Bradley Coleman of Rahway, NJ; five sisters-in-law, Mrs. Barbara Bradley of Bishopville, SC, Veronica Davis of Waterbury, CT, Edna Boothe of Freeport, NY, Madelyn Hendricks of Plano, TC and Shirley Starks of Sarasota, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students and friends throughout the United States who mourn her loss.

Special thanks to Mrs. Ruby Crumpler, longtime friend who stepped in when DeWitt passed; her beautician, Mrs. Wanda Price Pressley who would pick her up and bring her back home for her hair appointments; Mr. Walter Hill, Ms. Ernestine McKnight, Ms. Minnie McFadden and Ms. Carolyn Samuels.

Dollie will be sorely missed, but we take solace in knowing that she is now at eternal rest.