Elva Louise Williams

“If God hath made this world so fair; Where sin and death abound; How beautiful beyond compare; Will paradise be found!” - James Montgomery Elva Louise, the last of six children born to the late Leon and Annie Pearl DeShields, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 19, 1932. She began her educational journey in Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. She entered Cortez Peters Business School where she graduated in 1953. Elva put her business degree to work, becoming the church secretary at Providence where she worked diligently for eight years. She frequently shared the story of how grateful she was to Providence for allowing her to continue working during the evening while she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at Coppin State College. Shortly thereafter, she met and married Joseph B. Williams in 1967. While this union amicably drew to an end, Joseph remained a close family friend until he was called home several years ago. Elva always had a passion for learning so she did not stop with one degree. Nearly ten years after her first college graduation, she earned a Master of Education degree at Johns Hopkins University. She earned additional graduate credits at Morgan State University and Loyola College of Baltimore. As someone who valued education deeply, she consistently urged her nieces, nephews and all youths to work hard, achieve good grades, and earn a certification or degree in a field of their choice. Elva joined Providence Baptist Church when she was seven years old and was baptized by Rev. E.W. White. Growing up in the church, she regularly attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and the Baptist Evening Fellowship. As she became a young adult at Providence, her love for the Lord led her to teach Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School. She was later appointed Superintendent of the Junior Department. Elva served on the Junior and Youth Usher Board and subsequently became the leader of that ministry. Her melodious voice landed her a seat on the Junior Choir, the Youth Choir, the Young Adult Choir and later, the Sanctuary and Senior Choirs. She enjoyed anthems, spirituals, and hymns with The Lord Is My Light and My Salvation as one of her top five favorites. During her 84 years as a faithful member of Providence, Elva served as a member of the VAR club, Chairperson of the Expansion Finance Committee, the Personnel Committee, Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Providence Adult Day Care Center and Chairperson of the Finance Committee, just to name a few of her endeavors. In 1962, Elva accepted a teaching position with the Baltimore City Public Schools where she served as classroom teacher and later as an administrator for a total of 31 years. Upon her retirement in June 1993, she became an avid traveler, a frequent ticket holder for many concerts and plays and enjoyed hosting annual cookouts and festivities at her home. Elva loved to cook and bake. Her infamous sweet potato pie hit the palate like none other. There have been several attempts to replicate the special flavor but to no avail. Elva enjoyed fine dining, reading, solving crossword puzzles, and playing pinochle with family and friends. On Monday, November 18, 2024, God called home Elva Louise DeShields Williams. With profound grace, she entered into eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength. Elva was a cherished presence in the lives of all who knew her, and her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of her family and friends. Family and friends hold dear the lasting memories of the many ways Elva touched their lives. As a sister, godmother, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and lifelong friend, Elva will forever have a special place in the hearts and minds of many. Those left to celebrate her life and mourn her passing include: her nieces, Judith Smith (Bernard), Gwendolyn Tates, Brenda Carroll, Iva Hillery, Robin Buckner, nephews, Kevin Tates, Harold DeShields, (godson) Gary DeShields (Roslyn), Solo DeShields and a host of other relatives and lifelong friends. Also, left to mourn her passing, her nieces, nephew-in-love and also caregivers during her illness: Kimberly (Leon), great nieces, Kia and Leah Davis and her great-great-nephew, Nomari. Elva Louise was the last of her six siblings to be called home by our Lord. With her passing, the family is now reunited in paradise, where they will be together forever.

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Elva Louise Williams

November 19, 1932 - November 18, 2024