Ms. Burnelle Williams

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; Before you were born, I set you apart. Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) Burnelle Williams, the tenth child of the late Richard and Lillian M. Smith Williams, was born on March 1, 1951 in Baltimore County, Maryland. God quietly laid her to rest on May 25, 2024 at MedStar Harbor Hospital. Burns or Burnie, as her family and friends affectionately called her, received her primary education in Baltimore County schools. In the summer of 1965, the family moved to Baltimore City and she continued her education in Baltimore City Public schools. Burns graduated from Edmondson High School where she was a member of the honor society, the majorettes and several varsity letters. She received a scholarship to Morgan State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude before continuing to earn a graduate degree from Morgan. She worked for Baltimore public school system until she retired. Burns came to know the Lord at an early age under the guidance of her parents and continued her relationship with God at Friendship Baptist Church where she worshiped Him through her love of singing on the choir. She was known for her lovable and generous nature, her infectious smile, and an ever listening ear for her friends and family. Burns was always ready to dance to her favorite songs by Luther Vandross and others. She enjoyed spending time with her siblings at the family home talking, laughing, eating and reminiscing. Throughout the years she enjoyed traveling with her long time love, Steve Hawkes. One of her favorite places to go was Atlanta to see her oldest sister and family. Burns was preceded in death by her father(Richard), mother (Lillian), her partner Steve Hawkes, brothers Kenneth, Donald and Richard Odelle Williams, sister Maureen Brown, niece Karen Woods, and nephew Duval Thorton. She leaves to mourn her beloved sisters, Sylvia Washington, Louise W. Thomas, Maxicene Williams, and Linda Bankins. Her brothers Levelt, Morris, and Clarence WIlliams. Her nieces and nephews Michael, Mark,Tanya, Denise, Glen, Gerald, Glenda, Corey, Adriane, Stacey, Jamel, Raynard, and great nieces and nephews. To My Sister I am blessed to call you sister, I also call you friend, You've loved me unconditionally and stood through thick and thin. You've shared my joys and sorrows, my laughter and my tears, You've been my inspiration as I grew up through the years. When we were little children we laughed and played together, Then growing up you stood by me through good and stormy weather. There's something God has given us that's more than family, He's placed a love for you, my sister, deep down in the heart of me. Love Always, Linda Bankins

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Ms. Burnelle Williams

March 1, 1951 - May 25, 2024