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Zelda Jacoby
Williams
Mar 14, 1941 — Apr 3, 2025
Zelda Jacoby Williams was the eighth child born to the late Clarence Williams, Sr and Bessie (Wortham), on March 14, 1941, in Warrenton, North Carolina. This child, like those born before her, and the three born after her, modeled the Williams' family values of generosity, hospitality, and kindness. Zelda, however, was exceptional! Like her father, Zelda walked in quiet dignity and in strength. Though quiet, her words had a lasting impact! Zelda was educated in North Carolina where love for faith and family was developed, along with an appreciation for home ownership. She and her family moved to Whitesboro, New Jersey in 1955, when Zelda was in middle school. Zelda graduated from Middle Township High School of Middle Township, formerly Cape May Court House, New Jersey in 1959. After graduation Zelda remained in New Jersey, where she worked at a real estate office. She remained in South Jersey until moving to Philadelphia in the late '60s. This purpose driven move evolved into a spirit filed life, that God worked through – to the benefit of many! Zelda sought better opportunities, prompting a career-changing move to Philadelphia, after the birth of her "one and only" daughter, Michelle (Goss) Alexander. Those opportunities allowed Zelda to buy a house and provide a home for her and Michelle. Zelda's home was a reflection of herself - loving, peaceful, and stable. It was not just a safe haven for her and Michelle, but for countless others – biological and non-biological. Her home, affectionately known as "1510," was a landing pad, for those needing a fresh start. It was also an open door for relaxed afternoons or extended evenings of fun, food, and fellowship – doing hair, laughing loud, playing cards, talking long, and always, yes, always "good, good food" – these were the hallmarks. "1510" will forever be engraved in our hearts as a memorial of Zelda's generosity and undisputed hospitality! Zelda freely opened her home to the members of her church family, Morris Chapel Baptist Church, with the same affection and love, shared with her biological family. Morris Chapel was foundational to her Christian development upon her relocation to Philadelphia. There she faithfully served under the leadership of the late Reverends Louis Freeman and Joseph Hinton. Zelda was a beloved member of Morris Chapel, serving as church clerk and choir president for many years. Not only did she serve in these formal capacities, but she served as a faithful, loving friend and sister in Christ. Such service drew the admiration and love of many, and these relationships have continued over the years! Zelda later joined the Greater Exodus Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Herbert H. Lusk, II. There she faithfully served as a choir member, Kitchen Committee member, Sunday School teacher, and Youth Church worker. Her gentle, loving, peaceful spirit continued to earn the admiration, love, and respect of many. Whether you called her Aunt Zelda, Sister Z, or Sister Zelda, her name engendered feelings of acceptance, comfort, and warmth. Many embraced and called her "Aunt Zelda" – lovingly and proudly! Zelda led with compassion, and this same spirit was ushered into Bethel Deliverance International Church, where she later joined. There, under the pastorate of Bishop Eric A. Lambert, Jr., Sis. Zelda served until her passing. There, she continued to use her gifts of giving, helping, hospitality, leadership, and service. She faithfully used her culinary skills in service to others, primarily in the Sr. Ministry, where she cooked and coordinated the food. Many looked forward to Zelda's cooking — with some fan favorites being her corn pudding, fried chicken, fried fish, and seafood salad. She filled your stomach with good food while she filled your heart with her love! Zelda, with faith in her heart and work in her hand, was employed as an administrative assistant in several schools, one of which housed The Action Library in South Philadelphia. Her faith and work were rewarded with a job in the Philadelphia School District, where she continued employment as an administrative assistant until her retirement. Zelda demonstrated an exemplary work ethic, which enabled her to provide for the needs of many. Though she was the mother of one, she provided for many! Hers is a testimony of selfless giving of talent, time, and treasure. She has cooked and sewn, driven and rode, and donated and loaned. Her diligent work ethic, mixed with faith, allowed her to always have a car which she always used in service to others. She would load them up or loan them out — her cars were driven to serve! Zelda's professional career was that of an administrative assistant; however, her skills were oft used in the emotional, financial, mental, physical, and spiritual investment of others, thereby. allowing them to achieve. Her love nourished and strengthened others. She embodied the adage, "Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference." She lived simply, that others might simply live."Zelda loved many, however, her love for her "one and only" daughter Michelle, was eclipsed only by her love for her three grandchildren - Rachel, Micheal, and David. Zelda's loving example has instilled in them her faith, her love for family, and her esteemed values of generosity, hospitality, and kindness. They were the recipients of a loving grandmother who expressed her love with her presence and her constant support. She attended every birthday, every event, and every game; and she celebrated every joyous milestone! Her legacy lives on in them! Zelda lived out her life in service to others – consequently, countless lives have been enriched and strengthened! Those who would have been faint are stronger. Those who would have been lost are found. Those who would have been pebbles are boulders. Those who would have been without, were supplied. All these she leaves as a testimony of her life. All these she leaves to cherish her memory.
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Greater Exodus Baptist Church
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