Frances L. Williams

Frances L Williams age 79 of Oxnard, CA gained her wings on January 20, 2023 surrounded by family.

Frances was born on September 6, 1943 in Waco, Texas to the union of Greene and Jimmie Martin.

The family moved to Oxnard, CA in 1950.  Frances attended local schools and graduated from Oxnard High School in 1961.

She married her high school sweetheart Frank Williams, and later divorced. As Luck would have it Frances and Frank rekindled a life long  friendship.

Frances accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late H W Washington at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, Oxnard, CA.

She was a gifted musician, singer and choir director.  One of her fondest memories was playing the piano at Bethel AME Church, Oxnard at age 12.  Frances was a dedicated member of this church until her passing.  She served the church as a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school musician, member of the Sarah Allen Missionary, the Women’s Ministry President of the Lay Organization, and active member of the Senior Program.  She also drove the church bus for many years. Her greatest love was music.  She was a church musician and played for every choir. She was passionate about her Sunday School Lessons, Bible Study and Prayer.  One of her most proud moments was being named Woman of the Year at Bethel.

While being a member of Bethel AME, Frances stepped forward to be the musician at New Life Christian Ministries under the leadership of her cousin, Pastor Curtis R Hotchkiss.  She served for 17 years as the musical director where she  nurtured the youth and created a dynamic youth choir.

Frances musical career spanned over 6 decades. One of her highlights was being
Recognized for Outstanding Service to Ventura County from the Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Gospel Industry Network in 2019.

Frances attended Ventura Community College where she graduated from the Psychiatric Technician Program.  She began her career at Camarillo State Hospital. In 1974, she relocated to Los Angeles, CA to work at Augustus Hawkins Mental Health Center.  She was employed as a Social Worker in Children’s Services.  She fell in love with Lateef Ernesto Williams and adopted him at the age of 3. 

In 1985, Frances returned to Oxnard to be a Full-time Caretaker for her mother which spanned over 42 years.

She served in the United States Army Reserve and was a lifelong member of the Eastern Star  Christ Ella Chapter number 113. For the last three years, she was an active member of three virtual morning prayer groups of Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Jose, Ca.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by one son, Lateef Ernesto Williams, Ventura, Ca. Granddaughter/God child, Lacey Kelly, Simi Valley, Ca. God children: Tiffany Riley, Moreno Valley, Ca. LaKietha McNinch, Warner-Robbins, Ga, and Miyana Daily, Houston, Tx. In addition, a host of family and friends.
 

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