Pittsburgh, PA on September 12, 1926, to the late Edgar R. Chandler and Hazel Lee Chandler.
Growing Up: Winifred grew up in a loving home; the second eldest and oldest daughter of 5 children. She often spoke of the close relationship she shared growing up with all her siblings whom she was also a swift and fierce defender of. She was quite the athlete as a young woman and especially enjoyed running track.
Love: In the late 1930’s while on the playground of Watts Elementary School in the Hill district, a fellow student, Robert L. Williams saw “The girl with the skinny legs” and said, “I’m going to marry that girl.” which he did on December 21, 1942. They always mutually agreed the other was “The love of their life.” and remained committed and married for 46yrs until he went home to be with the Lord in 1988. From this union was born three children.
Livelihood: Mom was a member of Homewood AME Zion Church for at least 60yrs. She served in numerous capacities and was also Vice President of the Nurses Board. In 1994 she was also confirmed a lifetime member of the Women’s Home and Overseas Ministry Society of the AME Zion church. Winifred also was an active member of the local chapter of the AARP and proudly earned a certificate from CCAC for home repairs which she proudly put to good work. She also enjoyed her weekly exercise and water aerobics classes at the Kingsley center and attending jazz concerts, especially during the summer months. She lived a long, abundant life on her own terms; always giving thanks to God for His enumerable blessings and faithfulness.
Sunset: With the brief support of hospice care, on the early morning of June 9, 2022, she transitioned from this life into the presence of the Lord in her home while her daughter held her hands. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Williams, son Steven C. Williams, and granddaughter Ashley N. Manning. Left to cherish her memory and honor her legacy are her daughter Gail Williams (IN), son Robert Williams Jr., sister Maxine Hardts (TX), daughter in laws Joan Williams and Jeannie Williams (thank you), grandchildren Steven Williams Jr, (FL), Quinn Williams, Shyla Scott (FL), Robert Williams III (FL), Candice Williams, Courtney Whitfield (OH), Dane Williams, and Charles Manning (TX), great and great-great grandchildren, nieces (special thank you to Denise Hardts and Brenda Russell) and many other relatives, friends and church family.
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