Birlene Marie Williams

Her Legacy Birlene Marie Williams was born in Richmond, Virginia to Hearld and Birlene Manning on September 8, 1934. On “Sunday” June 12, 2022, God called our 87-year-old wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, & cousin your best friend to glory. She danced her way into heaven so graciously. She was preceded in death by her husband James Williams; Four brothers, Herbert (Popscicle), Howard (Jackie), Edward (Daisy), and Wilbert (Emma) Manning. Three sisters, Helen Lee (George); Laurel Bell Hunt (Archie), Irene “Bitty” Tilton (Warren). Daughter, Cynthia “Candy” Ruffin; grandson, Keith “KJ” Williams Esquire; and great-grandson, Devon Malik Jones and LaKieth “Lil La” Ruffin. Birlene was educated in Richmond Public School where she attended Maggie L. Walker High School. She furthered her education at Apex Beauty School where she received her Cosmetology License. As a certified beautician with blessed hands, she kept her clients and her family members' hair healthy and beautiful; and she kept her customers laughing. Birlene was a hard worker and was employed by St. Catherine School. She retired after 30 years of dedicated service. Birlene accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at Moore Street Baptist Church. There she was a great steward and served as an active member until the world was hit with the pandemic. As her health declined, she still wanted to go to church however, she had to settle to watch it on television. Sunday was her favorite day of the week. She would often ask, “Is today Sunday? and “Are we going to church?” To her, it was always a joy to worship in the house of the Lord. Sundays were significant. Birlene favorite pastime was cooking for her family and goodness couldn’t she burn….those homemade cakes, pancakes, pies, banana pudding, and macaroni and cheese. Everything she made was out of love. Her specialties included homemade BBQ and her famous potato salad was always served at all our family functions. On her downtime she enjoyed, dancing just a little two-step and snap, cooking, eating ice cream, chicken fingers and always had to have her Reese’s peanut butter cup and Coca-Cola, spending time with family, while watching her television programs, the Family Feud (the Steve Harvey Edition), and Wheel of Fortune along with a good Ole’ Ball Game (which ball all sports) depending on the season. Birlene was known for having style, grace, and class with her hats and fashionable purse collection. She loved shopping and taking trips. A fashionista at its best. Birlene adored her five generations of children. She was the Matriarch and despite her age, she knew all of them by name. She had a gentle voice, however, was stern and firm. Birlene was your typical grandmother; when you left her house she always wanted to make sure she slipped a little something in your hand. Which made her even more special. Birlene had a heart after God’s own heart. I Samuel 13:14. Her life was in harmony with God. She left us with memories and her sayings, “Everything was gonna be alright and Love everybody”. She leaves to cherish in her memory her loving and devoted family: three sons, Hearold “Peanut” (Debra “Ann”), James “Twinkle” (Carolyn), and Keith “Keithy” (Tammiezay “Tammie”) Williams; daughter, Beverly “Belu” Gordon (Kenney); thirteen grandsons Kenneth “Ken” Jones, ( Jose “LaPoo” “Larry Poo”) Ruffin, Anthony Harvey, LaKeith “BigLa” Ruffin, Reginald “Lamont” Ruffin, Carlish “Short Stop” Swinson, Hearold “Lil Hearold” Williams Jr., Dwight Swinson, Dwayne Swinson, Roger Swinson and Justin “J.T.” Williams; granddaughter, Tiffany “Woosey” Williams; thirty-two great-grands; eleven great-great-grandchildren; devoted sister, Rosebud Houston; brother, Linwood Manning; committed caretaker, Connie Moore, devoted niece, Bernell Crewe; long time devoted beloved friend, Mr. Eddie Brooks; a host of other devoted family and friends. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Birlene was loved by all – she was truly OUR BLESSING!!

Tributes

Birlene Marie Williams

September 8, 1934 - June 12, 2022