Catherine Williams

CATHERINE WILLIAMS, daughter of the late Thomas and Zula Martino, was born on July 21, 1934 in Vance, SC. She transitioned from this life on April 11, 2018 at Life Care Health Center in Charleston, SC.

CATHERINE, who was an avid lover of gospel music and vocal instruction, was baptized at an early age in Holly Hill, SC at Target AME Church. Throughout her youth, she faithfully served on numerous church choirs. 

She received her education in the Holly Hill public school system.

At the age of 20 she married the late Matthew Dennis.  Out of this union four children were born. This union ended in divorce. She later married the late Oscar Williams.  Out of this union, one child was born.

In the mid-1960s CATHERINE migrated to Brooklyn, New York, where she was employed for a number of years as a seamstress and Home Health Aide.  She became a member of Calvary AME Church, where she served as a member of the Mass Choir.  A number of years later, she and Oscar joined St. Marks Church of Christ, where she faithfully served as a member of the Senior Gospel Choir.  She was also a member of the Elite Chapter #228 Order of the Eastern Star.

Upon retirement, CATHERINE and Oscar moved back to South Carolina to be close to family and friends. They joined Rock Hill AME Church in Vance, SC, where she served on the Senior Choir.  Subsequent to Oscar’s death, she rejoined her family’s church, The Greater Target AME Church, where she served as a Class Leader, member of the Mass Choir, and member of the Daughters of Sarah.

CATHERINE was a sweet spirit who had a charitable heart.  She was a mother to many and was always willing to give whatever she had to those in need. She consistently instilled the importance of God, love, serving, and family bonding in her younger siblings, children, and grandchildren.  CATHERINE was such a caring person who always wanted to ensure everyone was taken care of and was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way she could.  She was an avid gardener, who loved growing her own fruit and vegetables and canning them.  She loved cooking, fishing, visiting yard sales, and traveling to the Caribbean.  She was also a devoted user of the Facebook social media platform, which helped keep her in contact with her family and friends.  What she enjoyed most was reconnecting with long lost friends and relatives.  Facebook will never be the same without her.  CATHERINE also loved spending time with her extended family at the Cummings Residential Home, where she was affectionately known as “Mama”. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her loving and devoted children, Sandra Grace (Conway) of Ladson, SC, Marvine Grant (Sampson) of Holly Hill, SC, Larry Dennis (Lakiesha) of Charlotte, NC, and Sabrina Keys (Eric) of Summerville, SC; one son preceded her in death, Wayne; loving and devoted daughter-in-law, Rosalind Dennis; three sisters, Beatrice Cummings, Ruby Thompson, and Queen Rouse; two brothers, Anthony (Steve) Martino, and Daniel Martino; thirteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

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