Theresa Acosta Williams

Theresa Acosta Williams was born October 16, 1929, in Trinidad, West Indies to the late Daisy Jamesand John Acosta. In 1967 with “Grace and Mercy”, she came to the United States of America (USA),Baltimore, Maryland seeking a life of opportunity, ambition and prosperity. Upon her arrival, sheworked as a live-in servant for a Pikesville, family of four. With her love for God, Theresa joined Gillis Memorial Community Church, where the Reverend Dr.Theodore C. Jackson, Jr., was the pastor at the time. Keeping Grace and Mercy with her, sheselfishly devoted her time and energy by joining the Choir, and various Ministries in church. Shefounded the 100 Women in White and was a member of The Busy Bees Circle. Because of hermelodious voice like Mahala Jackson, she was called upon several times to sing. Her favorite solohymns were, “I Come to the Garden Alone”, “How Great Thou Art”, “Through It All” and the Master’sBouquet. In addition, Theresa was blessed with a gift of making floral arrangements, corsages,boutonnieres and wedding arrangements for the different church ministries within the church andcommunity. Because of her steadfast culture in giving Thanks to God on any given day within the12 months, she orchestrated and hosted many Thanksgiving Dinner programs over the years bygiving back unselfishly with her love, blessings and gratitude to the church. In 2015 she changed herchurch membership to Christ Church Ministries, Windsor Mill, Maryland where Reverend Dr.Melvin Jackson is the pastor. During her tenure she hosted an Appreciation Dinner. Continuing on her ambitious journey, Theresa was gainfully employed at John Hopkins Hospitalworking as an Emergency Room custodian and then as a Security Guard for Pinkerton. She thenwent on to work at Robert Poole Middle School, (#56). On June 5th 1998, she retired from theBaltimore City Public School System, where she tirelessly worked as a Building Custodian andEngineer. During her tenure at Robert Pool Middle School and various other schools, she receivedseveral awards from Mary Pat Clark, former President of the Baltimore City Council, Alice PentaHughes, Board of Education, and Mayor William Donald Schaefer. Theresa’s resilience spoke for herherin the Baltimore News American Paper, “An American says thanks to her adored, adoptedmotherland” written by E. Lee Laster, News American Columnist. While her infectious personalitywas noticeable, nothing compared to her love of friends and famil Theresa had many sayings, “The Fact of the Matter Is”, “Glory Be to God” “Ha-lleuj-ah”. Theresa was preceded in death by: daughter Allison A. Leach, sister Merlyn Jones. She is survived by a daughter Maria M. Rawlings, four grandchildren, Rachel, Victoria, Crystaland Camille. Five great grandchildren, Michael, MiQuise, Moner, Trinity and Mason. Six great-great grandchildren Michaela, Mia, Rondo, Aspen, Asahd, and Majour. Two grandsons in lawTherman and Kenneth. A dear cousin Vernon, an adoptive brother Richard, a dear friendCandace and a host of family and friends.

Tributes

Theresa Acosta Williams

October 16, 1929 - August 7, 2024