Mrs. Janice Hilson Williams was born in Fairhope.
"Janice Geneva Hilson" was born on, April 23, 1931 to parents Mrs. Hilda Bonner Hilson and Mr. Chester Van Hilson. Mrs. Williams went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016 at 3:20 a.m.
Janice was the second born of three siblings. Her mother was the descendent of Mr. Willie Bonner and Mrs. Hannah Mitchell Bonner, whom were one of the first families that settled in Houstonville, now known as the Twin Beech Community.
As a young girl Janice's journey of knowing the Lord took deep roots. Her foundation was laid step by step by her grandparents and her parents who played a key part in not only maintaining Twin Beech A.M.E. Zion church but they were also a part of building the structure.
Her grandfather and his sons were instrumental in building homes and buildings that still surround the community of Fairhope.
Her father, Mr. Chester Hilson was employed at Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education, and her mother, Mrs. Hilda Hilson managed the cafeteria at Anna T. Jeans School and the Migrant Workers School in Point Clear.
The atmosphere and culture that Janice experienced as a child were strong values with her foundation being embodied on family and community; one that knowing God was the head of their lives.
Janice would often share how "Papa" (Mr. Willie Bonner) would pull out his cane on Sunday mornings and start his journey walking to church. She often shared, "I knew not to ask him if he wanted a ride; because the answer would always be, 'No I thank you.'"
Janice appreciated all the structure that had been formed in her life. Her mother taught them to always say grace and repeat a bible verse before lifting a spoon or fork to eat. Proper etiquette was always adhered to. Her parents knew in order for her to be successful in life, they would need to mold their children for what awaited them in the world.
Janice was always a standout. She was beautiful inside and out. She had a humble, caring spirit and with her strong family values she took off after completing her early childhood education from Anna T. Jeans and Baldwin County Training schools to achieve her higher education studies at Alabama A & M University, formally named Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College. She received a bachelor's of science degree, with a major in English.
On Sept. 3, 1952, she married Robert D. Williams. They were blessed with 43 years of unity until his untimely death on July 6, 1995.
Robert was a World War II Navy veteran and a graduate also of Alabama A & M University.
He decided to venture into his own business in Mobile. Robert secured a tailoring position with a company in Mobile until he purchased and opened his own building at 56 Dauphin St. At this location now stands the RSA Tower.
While Robert pursued his tailoring business, Janice was off making a difference in the lives of children. She started her career teaching at Aaronville County Training School, Baldwin County Training and concluded her years at what is now known as Daphne Elementary School. She retired from the Baldwin County Board of Education in 1987.
From that time until just a month before her departing this life, she could walk in stores and restaurants throughout Baldwin County and a student from years pass would walk up and greet her. Often she was accompanied by her daughter and she would hear the individuals say "I am what I am today, Mrs. Williams because of you; you were a great teacher." She would always smile and with a humble sprit, say "thank you" and often embrace them with a hug.
Her legacy of being a "good servant" was evident. She made a difference not only in the life of one child but hundreds. "Her living was not in vain."
Janice and Robert had a well-rounded life. On June 1, 1961 they welcomed into their family circle a little girl; Shelia Lizette Pompey. Shelia was the daughter of Robert's loving first cousin, Hurlis Lee Pompey.
Now they were beginning a new journey in life of being parents. Their parental guidance would nurture Shelia into becoming a very confident, spirit-filled young lady who remains grateful for the steps that God ordered in her life.
They worshipped and served together at Twin Beech A.M.E Zion Church and throughout the community.
They traveled throughout the United States on summer vacations. Spent countless hours on the water fishing in a boat built by Robert, his brother-in-law, Claude Valrie, and their nephew, Richard Hall. The boat would later be commissioned as "She & Chet," named after their daughter Shelia and their nephew Chester.
Janice enjoyed baking, making homemade jelly, canning everything she could grow in the "flower beds" and in her backyard. She loved her flowers!
Janice and Robert were members of the Original Dragons Association in Mobile, Robert was a lifetime member of KAPPA ALPHA PSI fraternity. Janice was a member of the Royal 16; which were all originations that would service and give back to the community.
For over 20 years the support of the youth continued as she looked forward each year to making sure that the Fairhope Pirates Football Team received their annual breakfast at the First Baptist Church in Fairhope.
She has served in several capacities at Twin Beech A.M.E. Zion Church: treasurer, member of the Trustee and Steward Board, Lifetime Missionary, member of the Senior Choir and wherever God ordered her steps to be of service to others.
In 2016, Janice resigned from her volunteer position as the steward of Twin Beech Cemetery. She had been of service as a volunteer in this position for over 45 years. Janice's memoirs are recoded in the City of Fairhope at Fairhope History Museum
She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester Hilson and Hilda Hilson; her husband, Robert "Bob" Williams; a sister, Vivian Lewis; a brother, Thomas Hilson; and a "devoted godson," Claude Valrie Jr.
She leaves to cherish her legacy and memory one daughter, Shelia (Keith) Ratliff of Spanish Fort; one granddaughter, Ernesticia "Stacy" (Eric) Johnson of Hutto, Texas; four great-grandchildren, Sterling Pompey, Christian Johnson, Caleb Thomas, Chelsey Johnson; three devoted and loving "sisters-in-law," Mary Calhoun and Carrie Valrie of Loxley, Emma Dailey, Houston, Texas; one devoted and loving brother-in-law, James Williams (Shirley); three nephews, Chester Lewis Sr. and his devoted and caring wife, Erline Lewis, Dominic Lewis, William Hilson; two nieces, Cheryl Jenkins (Cedric) and Essie Hilson; a devoted cousin, Paulette Bonner-Clausell; three devoted great-nephews, Chester Lewis Jr., Brandon Lewis and Cameron Lewis; over 50 devoted and caring "nieces and nephews in-law;" a devoted friend, Annie Jetson Coleman of Fairhope; and a host of other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Twin Beech Cemetery, designated Historic Preservation, P.O. Box 972, Fairhope, AL 36533.
Services were held Monday, Oct. 24, 2016 at First Baptist Church in Fairhope.
