Celesta Lee Williamson

Sunrise – July 5, 1959 Saint Louis, Missouri Celesta “Couts” Williamson was born on July 5, 1959 to Montell Lewis and Julia Ann Kyle in Saint Louis, Missouri. Her relationship with God began at an early age, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and attended Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO. She attended Saint Louis Public schools where she excelled in academics and was very proud to let anyone know she graduated from the #1 High School- Sumner Bulldogs class of 1977! Celesta went on to have a fulfilling career in the medical industry doing what she loved best – servicing and helping people. Forced into an early retirement due to medical concerns, Celesta did not allow that to slow her down at all. She became fully commited to her three daughters, ensuring they were raised with a strong foundation in faith and character. She remained very active, balancing church and “dance mom” duties. Celesta knew someone every where she went. She was Miss Congeniality! Known as a little lady with a powerful voice she never allowed life challenges to stop her from achieving her personal goals. After being declared legally blind, Celesta continued to push even harder to achieve her goals, always reciting her favorite scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me,” Phillipians 4:13. She went on to obtain not one but THREE degrees; Associates Degree in Biblical Studies from St. Louis Christian College, Bachelors Degree in Christian Ministry from St. Louis Christian College and later graduated with her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University. Celesta had an unwavering love of God and her Church, Shalom Church City of Peace, where she was an active member for more than 17 years. She yearned to serve, from singing in the choir to being a greeter, or traveling to local correctional facilites to ensure everyone had access to the word of God. However, two of her proudest moments would be preaching her first sermon “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” and becoming an ordained minister by her longtime friend, mentor, and Pastor the Reverend Dr. Freddy J. Clark. Even when she became ill and unable to attend church services, she would still pay her tithes and watch live stream praying and singing from her home (everyone knew not to call her until church had gone off). Sunset – July 21, 2018 Saint Louis, Missouri- Barnes Jewish Hospital Known for being tough and a fighter of life challenges Celesta would fight her last battle before God called her home to rest. Celesta is at peace with God now and rejoicing in her happy heavenly home. Her parents Montell Lewis and Julia Ann Kyle preceded her in death. She is survived by her grandmother Annie Kyle. Her brother Craig Mosley and Sister-friend Bobbie Ann Conrod. Daughters Kenya L. Little (Johnny), Tiara C. Duvall (Brennan) and Tiffany L. Williamson. Grandchildren Ta’ler R. Brown, Taniyah J. Moore-Henderson, Brennan V.K. Duvall, Jeremiah Little and Johnny Little III. Nieces Aliyah and Mya Kyle and nephew Craig Kyle along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Celesta Lee Williamson

July 5, 1959 - July 21, 2018