In loving memory of

Rita Sharon Williams

Called home to the Lord on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at Age 61. She was born in Warren, Ohio; the youngest daughter of Esther (nee Gamble) of Julius Byrd. Loving wife and best friend of Bruce Williams. Dear step-mother of France Williams and Lisa Porter. Proud grandma of Savannah and John. Loving sister and best friend of Julia (the later Merle) Payne and Theresa Jean (James) Smith. She will be missed by many other relatives and dear friends.

Rita graduated from Warren G. Harding and Fisk University. She worked as a claims adjuster at State Farm Insurance for 32 years.

Visitation Monday, April 22 at Christian Faith Fellowship Church, 8633 West Good Hope Road, Milwaukee from 10:00 AM until time of Service at 11:00 AM. Procession to Graceland Cemetery immediately following.

Tributes

Evelyn Williams-Davis wrote on Jan 24, 2014:

"To the family of my school mate, pal and very good friend, I say to you, may your wife, grandmother, and mother " rest in peace Sharon, you will always be in my heart and memory. I am still devastated by the news of her passing, but I know she's in heaven where all the angels are, because she was that indeed. Best friends forever."

Carol Cambridge wrote on Jan 24, 2014:

"To Rita's Family, I just received the news of her passing. I know it's been almost a year, but please know I am lifting you up in prayer. Rita was a lovely person and will be missed by me. God keep your family in perfect peace. "

Ronald Cambridge wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"Rita and I sat next to each other for six years in home room, beautiful inside and out ,haven't seen her since high school.i always hoped that I would see her again . Maybe one day,I will again RIP"

Valerie Byrd wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"I have just been informed of the death of my child hood friend and my heart is heavy. To all I send my condolences. My love to Jul Ann and Jean. "

Rahn Coleman wrote on May 29, 2013:

"Rest in Peace Dear Rita, There seems to be a new class of us gathering up yonder. Say hi to Nita for me."

Emzy Veazy III wrote on May 29, 2013:

"Scratch my timing error. April 16th I was prepping to return to Aspen, Colo."

Emzy Veazy III wrote on May 28, 2013:

"Well, what can I say. Earlier this year I thought about Rita Byrd several times. Then when I arrive in Aspen, Colorado this time around I thought about her again. Then today, Tuesday, May 28, 2013, she came to mind again, so here I am. The last time Isaw Rita was in Denver around 1979. There was a blizzard raging outside. I see Frank Simmons, Cydney Williams, Arva Neal Howard, Dewana Dorsey, Penny Avery Stone and Theresa Williams-Stoudamire have expressed their sympathies. I arrived back in Aspen on April 21st, the day before Rita died. Last year in early May 2012, Anita Bass Coleman died before I left Aspen for Los Angeles. Perhaps, this is a much deeper meaning for me and other who knew her that is more than coincidence. My best regards to Rita's family. There is a much deeper meaning in this experience than one can fathom."

Johnny Simmons wrote on May 7, 2013:

"Rita a wonderful and kind spirit a real gift to all of us during our days at Fisk. I'm glad I was there to share those times with her."

Michael Atkins wrote on May 6, 2013:

"I am very saddened to hear about Rita's passing. We had many laughs and good times at Fisk University . My deepest condolences to her family"

Alvis Gee wrote on Apr 28, 2013:

"Rita was coworker, friend and sister to me. I still can't believe she's not with us. Before Rita passed, she left me a birthday card on my desk on 4.27.13 .The following day I went on vacation and never got chance to thank her. Thanks Rita, for being such postive sister to me. Missing you dearly."

Theresa Williams-Stoudamire wrote on Apr 28, 2013:

"Saddened by the passing of Rita Byrd our classmate at Fisk University. We will honor her memory at Fisk when we gather for our 40th class reunion on May 4, 2013 My condolences to her family and friends as they adjust to their loss."

Penny Avery Stone wrote on Apr 24, 2013:

"Divine blessings to the girl I remember as the best people I met at Fisk our freshman year."

Dewana Dorsey wrote on Apr 24, 2013:

"Blessings upon Rita's spirit and family. What a great picture. It takes me right back to Fisk."

Gail Hoffman wrote on Apr 24, 2013:

"Rita was such a Classy young woman, My prayers are with her family for comfort and peace."

Sloan Waters wrote on Apr 23, 2013:

"Sharon, you were a big part of my early childhood, and all of your antics, and our hilarious moments will stay with me forever. Trav and I are who and what we are today, partly because of you. May you rest in peace and in antics!!! Love ya!"

Mary Medicus wrote on Apr 23, 2013:

"Lovely Rita, you touched us all with your positive outlook and infectious laugh. You were graceful always. We miss you so much. "

Arva Neal Howard wrote on Apr 23, 2013:

"Warm memories of Rita as we lived on the ground floor of Crosthwaite Hall at Fisk University during our freshman year. So pretty and vivacious and fun. May the Lord bring comfort and peace to all who loved her."

Cydney Williams wrote on Apr 22, 2013:

"Rita Byrd,from Warren,OH, will always be a special friend in spirit to me.We met freshman year at Fisk University and the rest is history. True friend forever,you made a difference."

Nina Lovelace wrote on Apr 22, 2013:

"I am so sorry to hear about Rita. She is part of my wonderful memories as a student in the Department of Art at Fisk University. Although we lost contact, I will always remember Rita as a very elegant and good natured person."

Angela Frederiksen wrote on Apr 22, 2013:

"Bruce, we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Rita was a friend and co-worker. I often remember the beautiful flowers you sent her and seeing the joy on her face every time someone stopped to admire them. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

Kari wrote on Apr 22, 2013:

"Rita, I will never forget your laugh and straight forward personality. When I took my first job right of college st State Farm, you took the time to offer a world of advice. You will be missed dearly, but I know I will always have your laugh to remember."

Frank Simmons wrote on Apr 21, 2013:

"RIP classmate. Your Fisk friends will always remember you."

Barbara Blue wrote on Apr 21, 2013:

"Bruce, I am deeply sorry for your lost. "

Vickie Boswell wrote on Apr 21, 2013:

" I am deeply saddened to hear about Rita's passing. She was a very special person. We have many people in our lives: Family, neighbors and friends and she were my neighbor, friend and part of my State Farm family. Friends are a gift from God. They bring us joy and happiness and help us in times of need. Rita will truly be missed but memories will stay with us forever. I pray that God will give us the strength to carry on without her as she will always be in our hearts. "

Alberta Thorn wrote on Apr 20, 2013:

"Its hard to believe that my coworker and most of all friend is gone. Our get togethers want be the same with out you. You will truly be missed. We will fry extra fish just for you. R.I.P. "

George Kramer wrote on Apr 19, 2013:

"I met Rita at work about two years. I was new to the office, and she was always so friendly and made me feel welcome. I will miss her immensly and my prayers are with her family and friends."