Barbara J Williams

Barbara Jene Williams, affectionately known as “Bobbie Jene” by her family, was born to the late John Sorrels and Willie Mae Peterson on July 27,1942 in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was the fourth of seven children. Barbara began her primary education in Albany, Ga., then moved to Jacksonville Fla. with her Uncle Houston & Aunt Annie Lee Fisher, where she completed elementary schooling and graduated from New Stanton Senior High School in 1962. 

Barbara then attended the Lincoln Business College and pursued coursework in office administration. In 1964 she moved to Boston, Ma. with family and was employed as a receptionist and clerk typist by Odarios Distribution Company. Barbara’s kind, loving and giving spirit manifested itself at an early age, along with her lifelong passion and gift for attending to children. Even at the young age of 14, she was capable and trusted to babysit younger children. This is precisely what she was doing when she met Melvin Williams, the future love of her life. She was 14 and he was 15. Barbara was babysitting in a room at her uncle’s barbershop, and Melvin had come for a haircut. She peeked in the room to catch a glimpse of him. When Melvin laid eyes on Barbara, he was instantly enamored - she, however, was not. Melvin worked extra hard to capture her elusive heart, and eventually they became childhood sweethearts, albeit “on and off.” Melvin left for the Coastguard in 1959, but the couple stayed connected. While on a 7-day military leave, Melvin proposed to Barbara. Five days later, on August 21,1964, they entered Holy Matrimony. Their union was blessed with 3 children – Melvin Jr., Darryl, and Kimberly. 

Barbara was a devoted wife and mother; and as a military family they lived in multiple locations within the United States as well as in Puerto Rico. They eventually settled in Mays Landing, NJ in the mid-seventies. Barbara’s love for serving and caring for others inspired her to seek employment at the Vineland Development Center (VDC), a residential rehabilitation and healthcare facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. The administration found Barbara to be of such natural gifting and talent as a caregiver that she was given a scholarship to attend Atlantic Community College, where she received education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1982. She enjoyed a successful career at the VDC until 2001. She even cared for VDC clients in her home until 2015. Barbara loved the Lord and accepted Christ as a child at the West Friendship Baptist Church in Jacksonville. She later joined St. Luke AME Church in Egg Harbor City, NJ where she faithfully served under the pastorate of Rev. Kathryn Nixon. Barbara was a very dedicated and engaged member, often assisting with organizing prayer breakfasts and other church events. Barbara belonged to the Women’s Missionary Society, the Lay Organization and sang on the choir. She was also very supportive of the Young People’s Division (YPD). 

Barbara treated everyone as family, and along her journey she formed and nurtured many lifelong friendships and special relationships. It was not unusual for these relationships to take on familial titles, such as “auntie,” “grandma” “sister” or even “mom.” She cherished each and every special relationship in her heart, just as they cherished her. Some of these include Lynette Gould, Delores Jackson, Tony & Paulette Wallace, Jim & Paranell McClain, Rev. Amy Santiago & family, Rev. & Sister Money, Mabel, Jorge, and “granddaughter” Opal. Barbara is survived by her loving and faithful husband Melvin Sr, (married for 61 years but together for 64 years); her sons Melvin Jr. (Vanessa) of Tucson Az. and Darryl (Carmin) of Lancaster Pa., her daughter Kimberly of Philadelphia Pa.; eight grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; sisters Rosie Favors, Irene Solomon and Lelia Mae Sanders; sisters-in law Louella Reid (Graham), Geraldine Williams (Carlton), Audrey Sweeting (Rhoman), Dolly Williams (Ronald) and Delores Daniels (Fernando); and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.