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Name: |
" Leila "Theo" Williams " |
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D.O.B: |
1/27/1938 |
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D.O.D |
05/20/2026 |
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Country From: |
Barbados |
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State /
Parish: |
Saint Joseph |
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Place of Death |
Woodmere, New York, USA
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Service Date |
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Details: |
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The funeral for the late Leila Williams will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene located at 145-01 Farmers Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434. The viewing will be held from 4pm-6pm, followed by the funeral service at 6pm. She will be laid to rest in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Please give your condolences to the Williams family.
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Special Info
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"A life well lived is a precious gift of hope, strength, and grace."
Early Life
Leila was born on January 27, 1938, in the Parish of St. Joseph, Barbados, West Indies, to Althea Elmirah Harper (née Lewis) and Edwy Harper. She was the cherished only daughter among five children and was blessed with four older brothers, Newton (Sonny Boy), Clyde, Emerson and Douglas, who doted on Leila, their only sister and youngest sibling.
Raised in the close-knit community of Spa Hill, St. Joseph, Leila grew up surrounded by the love of family and the strong Christian values instilled by her mother Elmirah, a devoted believer who ensured that faith remained at the center of her daughter's life. Every Sunday, Leila faithfully attended Pilgrim Holiness Church in Chimborazo, where her spiritual foundation was nurtured from an early age. Leila's compassionate character was shaped by a strict and nurturing upbringing of close family and friends in her community.
Education and Career
Leila attended St. Bernard's Girls' School in St. Bernard's Village, St. Joseph, Barbados, where she completed her education. As a young woman, Leila migrated to the United States to join her older brothers, who lovingly supported her as she continued her education and adjusted to life in a new country. Determined to create opportunities for herself, Leila enrolled in cosmetology school. During this time, she formed a cherished friendship with a woman named Emma, and briefly worked alongside her at a salon on Rogers Avenue in Brooklyn.
Though cosmetology was not ultimately her calling, Leila discovered her talents in administration and customer service. She built a successful professional career, working for Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank, later Citibank, and eventually District Council 37, where she faithfully served until her retirement in 2009.
Faith and Community
Faith remained a guiding force throughout Leila's life. After settling in New York, she worshipped alongside her mother at Bedford Zion Church of the Nazarene in Brooklyn. Later, she attended Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene, where she continued her spiritual journey.
Her faith was not simply something she practiced—it was something she lived. Through kindness, generosity, and quiet acts of service, Leila demonstrated Christ's love to everyone she encountered.
Family Life
Above all else, Leila cherished her family. She found immense joy in family gatherings, celebrations, and creating lasting memories with those she loved. Her home was often filled with laughter, conversation, family photographs on display and warmth.
She had a passion for nurturing plants and always had a houseful to show. Leila enjoyed shopping excursions, and treasured opportunities to travel and visit family and friends in Canada, Barbados, and Florida.
Although Leila had no biological children, she lovingly embraced the role of mother, mentor, and confidante to her nieces and nephew. Her guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love enriched their lives in countless ways.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Althea Elmirah Harper and Edwy Harper; and her beloved brothers, and best friend, and cousin Maria Harper.
Cherishing Her Memory
Leila leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory: her nieces Juliet Daniels, Denise Ndukwu, Renée Harper, Cheryl Eastmond, and nephew Mitchell Holder and a host of beloved cousins to include Beryl, Ethna, Verona, George, Thelbert, Cynthia, Beverly, Pat, Andy, Courtland, Selveyn, Laura, Allister, and Noel. She also leaves behind a loving circle of great nieces, great nephews, many cousins, extended family, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her love, wisdom, and friendship.
A Lasting Legacy
Leila will be remembered for her warm smile, quick wit, sense of humor, generosity, resilience, and unwavering devotion to family. She possessed a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
Her life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and compassion. She touched countless hearts through her kindness and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in the memories she created, the lives she touched, and the love she shared so freely.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Matthew 25:23
Forever Loved. Forever Remembered. Forever Missed
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