Marion B. Williams

MARION BERNICE WILLIAMS was born on March 1, 1930, in Jacksonville, North Carolina to the late Oscar and Magnolia Robinson. She peacefully departed this life at home on May 18, 2026. One of thirteen children, Marion spent her childhood in both Jacksonville with her parents and siblings and Newark, New Jersey with her “adopted parents.” She was educated in the public schools of Jacksonville, North Carolina and Newark, New Jersey. After returning to Jacksonville from Newark, Marion married Pfc. Leolia Williams of the United States Marine Corps in 1949. The couple later settled in Baltimore where they built their home and raised five children: Rufus, Bruce, Robert, Marion, and Alvin. Committed to finishing the education she had begun before moving to Baltimore, Marion completed high school by attending evening classes at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School while working there during the day as a custodial aide. Her love of learning led her to earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Coppin State College, now Coppin State University. Caroline Street United Methodist Church, Waverly United Methodist Church, and later New Waverly United Methodist Church. Throughout her years of service in the church, she served as playleader, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday School and Bible Study. A woman of deep faith, Marion believed strongly in the power of prayer, maintained a close relationship with the Lord, and continually lifted her family in prayer. Marion enjoyed listening to music, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved cooking, but in her later years, her favorite meal was the Fill Up Box from KFC – specifically from the Greenmount Ave. location, as she could always tell if it came from anywhere else. Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Leolia Williams; son, Alvin Williams; siblings, Joyce, Vera, Doris, Montez, Alrich, Clifford, Thornton, Gilbert, James Henry, Carlton, and Oscar; great-grandson, Bruce MP Williams; and special nephew, Billy Robinson. Marion served as a Special Education teacher at Johnston Square Elementary School, but her impact reached well beyond the classroom. She founded Helping Hands, a program that assisted individuals and families facing hardships such as eviction, utility shutoffs, and food insecurity. She also remained active in numerous community and union organizations, holding leadership roles in the Waverly Improvement Association, the Maryland State Teacher’s Association (MTSA), and many other organizations. Marion accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. In Baltimore she worshiped at Eastern United Methodist Church, She leaves to cherish her memory: sons, Rufus L. Williams (Deborah), Bruce M. Williams (Cynthia) and Robert Williams (Annette); daughter, Marion E. Jerome; brother, Oscar Bruce Robinson (Ora Lucille); thirteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Marion B. Williams

March 1, 1930 - May 18, 2026