Obituary of Janette Priscilla Williams

Janette Priscilla Williams, better known to her siblings as "Reedy", was born on Marh 14, 1958 to the late Hosea Horace, Sr. and Myrtle Lee Cleveland Horace. Janette entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Janette grew up in Monticello and attended Monticello Central Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1976. Janette met and married Dennis Williams and to this union two children were born- a daughter, Rashonda, and a son, Carl. Janette was baptized in the name of Jesus at an early age and attended church at Kings Chapel Mission under the leadership of the late Pastor Jesse Wrenn. Janette was President of the Youth Department, Choir Director, Usher and served in the Missionary Department. In 1992, after the passing of her father-in-law, Charlie Williams, she became an active member at Bethlehem Temple Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Mervin Armstead. Under this new leadership, she served as President of the Youth Department and Missionary Choir Director. Janette worked as a Unit Secretary for Walnut Mountain Nursing Home and Community General Hospital. She later worked in the Monticello School District in the Transportation Department. In June 2009, Janette suffered a great loss when her son, Carl Williams, was murdered. Janette could have become depressed and died grieving this loss, but instead she vowed to capture and convict her son's murderers. Janette became an advocate for not only her son, but the many children in the community. in October 2009, she started "A Local Call For Change," where she led a march from the courthouse and across the town, demanding change with a plea to stop the violence. That wasn't the end. In July 2010 she held a second "Local Call For Change", once again making her voice heard. And anyone who knows Janette, knows she didn't stop there! In June 2014 she united with several agencies and hosted an event to "Take Back The Community," reminding everyone to stand against violence and to acknowledge community losses due to homicide. These were selfless acts by a heartbroken mother who could have been bitter but instead became better and showed care and concern for others throughout her community. Janette loved her leopard print and indulged in leopard print every single time she went shopping-clothes, bedroom furniture, home décor, car accessories, gifts for friends and family, etc. she made sure everyone knew how much she loved it and over the years, the leopard print became a hallmark symbol of her physical strengths, perseverance, confidence and intelligence. Janette loved her children and grandchildren and proved time and time again that she would do anything and everything for them. Whenever you saw Janette, she was with one of her grandchildren. Janette had many friends and extended family who loved and appreciated her dearly. She was wonderful at checking up on those she loved, taking weekend trips to theatres, dinners, or simply to the park to sit in the sun and take pictures. Her loss will be felt by many. Janette leaves to cherish her memories, one daughter, Rashonda; three granddaughters, Yanayisa, Kyra and Gniiyah; three grandsons, Micaiah, Z'Cari and Cameron; one great-grandson, Zakyi; two sisters, Helen Bonner and Ethel Mason; two brothers, Harold and Rubin Horace; one foster brother, William Merchant; three aunts, Mable Horace, Annie Bell O'Bannon and Louise Massey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents Hosea and Myrtle Horace; her son, Carl Williams; four brothers, Edward Kennedy, Hosea Jr., Carl and Gerry Horace; one foster brother, Stephen Merchant; and five sisters, Jurdine, Patricia, Roberta and Leona Horace and Virginia Brown. A visitation will be held from 12 to 1pm on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at Bethlehem Temple Church, 93 Fairground Rd, Monticello, NY 12701. A funeral service will follow immediately. Burial will follow at Rock Ridge Cemetery. Arrangements under the care of Colonial-Ramsay Funeral Home, for further information call 845-794-2700 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com