Ophelia Williams' Obituary
Ophelia Williams was born on January 12, 1921 to the late Roxie Holmes and Zachary
Shelton, Sr. in Osceola, Arkansas. Ophelia has one brother, Zachary Shelton, Jr., who
preceded her in death.
Ophelia’s family moved to Alton, Illinois when she was seven years old. There, she
attended Alton Public Schools and graduated from Alton High School.
She was a long dedicated member of St. James Baptist Church in Alton, Illinois.
Ophelia attended Scotia’s School of Beauty Culture and became an excellent
beautician, acquiring many clients. A family friend built an addition to her mother
Roxie’s home where she could practice and home her beautician skills.
During WWII, Ophelia worked at American Steel Foundry in Granite City, Illinois as an
assembly technician. Ophelia applied for employment at Alton State Hospital which
required a test, which she passed with flying colors. She began work at Alton State
Hospital as an Occupational Therapist. She soon became Activities Director and
retired from the Illinois Department of Mental Health as Mental Health Specialist.
In 1956 she married Ralph Williams, Sr., who preceded her in death, and to this union
one child was born, Ralph Williams, Jr. Ophelia joined Mt. Sinai Baptist Church and
became a devout usher and Mother Board member.
After Ophelia’s retirement, she really enjoyed traveling, visiting the sick and shut in
family and church members, and playing bingo at the Clyde Jordan Senior Center.
Ophelia was an avid supporter and past president of East St. Louis and Vicinity Council
of Clubs. She loved arts and crafts, sewing and crochet. She was very skilled, from
refurbishing wood and furniture to wallpapering a room.
Ralph Jr. mentioned how she taught him how to lay carpet, plant and maintain a
garden, plants, flowers, amongst her many talents and gifts.
Ophelia was always willing to help someone in need and give a ride to an event when
she could. She was a most gracious host. She always provided a welcoming home.
She was a loving mother and tenacious grandmother.
Ophelia leaves to cherish in her loving memory: her son ~ Ralph Williams, Jr.; four
grandchildren ~ Dalila (Tim) Conaway, Jameal (Tammy) Williams, Uriah (Valecia)
Williams and Kamar Williams; eight great grandchildren; a close cousin ~ Darryl
McGhee and Delphine McGhee; two special friends ~ Bob Brown and Quintella
Calvert; and a host of cousins and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Ophelia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ophelia?
Share a story where Ophelia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ophelia you’ll never forget.
How did Ophelia make you smile?
