Lena Bell Williams

Lena Bell Shropshire Williams was born on July 23, 1929 to the union of the late Lillian Jackson and T.J. Shropshire in Centreville, MS. Lena was the loving devoted sister of Ollie Shropshire Ambrose and James Shropshire. She was baptized at Hope Baptist Church by the late Reverend Bradford in August of 1937. She learned early in life of her spiritual path and followed it with dedication until her passing. At a very young age, Lena moved to New Orleans, LA with her mother and sister.

On September 27, 1947, Lena married Elvin Charles Williams, Sr. at First African Baptist Church in New Orleans and it was officiated by the late Reverend R. W. Coleman. From their union, she experienced the lifelong joy of motherhood with the births of their children: Gwendolyn Marie Adams, the late Elvin Charles Williams, Jr., Brenda Marie Nero, Gilbert Clay Williams, Debra Jean Collins Nelson, Reginald Dale Williams, and Roderick Barry Williams. 

During her early adult years in New Orleans, she was a successful entrepreneur as owner/operator of Lena’s Lounge. She later worked and retired from New Orleans Public Schools. Throughout it all, Lena was an avid baseball fan – she would keep notes on players’ stats and teams’ win records.

She faithfully served as an Usher for many years at Greater St. Stephens F.B.G.C. In 2002, she became a member of Plymouth Rock Baptist Church and remained there until she was displaced in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. She relocated to Omaha, NE and became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church until 2017. Later in 2017, she became a member of New Rising Star Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Jon Lucas, her final home of worship.

Lena’s family was very important to her. Even though it may have not been a holiday; every Friday was family time. Her children and grandchildren would drop in to spend time with her, as she loved baking and cooking for them.

On May 6, 2022, the Lord called Lena Bell Shropshire Williams home to her eternal resting place.  Lena was a strong believer in Jesus Christ, and that we shall see her again. She was blessed with 92 years well-lived!! She was the matriarch of our family and spiritual leader. In times of trials, you could count on Lena to pray for you and provide a scripture reading to comfort you. At the end of every phone call, no matter if she had already spoke to you, she would end with “I love you!”.

She was preceded in death by her father T.J. Shropshire, her mother Lillian Jackson, her sons Elvin Charles Williams Jr. and Roderick Barry Williams, her former husband Elvin Charles Williams Sr., her grandson Mark A. Collins, her granddaughter Treneice Williams, her great-granddaughter Walesha Williams, her great-great-granddaughter Paris Williams, son-in-laws: Charles Adams, Julius Nero Jr., and Lionel Nelson; and, long-time companion Joe Louis Johnson.

She will be dearly remembered for her spirituality, her faithfulness, her love for her family and friends, her devotion to God, her willingness to do her best for anyone, her caring heart, and very warm gentle embrace.

Memories of her love will eternally remain with her sister Ollie Ambrose, her brother James Shropshire, her children: Gwendolyn Adams, Brenda Nero, Gilbert Williams, Debra Nelson, and Reginald Williams; her grandchildren: Charles Williams III, Shanel Williams, Derrick A. Nero (Collette), Willie Collins IV (Denise), Ladedra Williams, Ronnell “Spoogie” Smith, Kevalyn “Mookie” Nero, Ocshabba Wells, Tammy McCray (Ronny), April Smith (Larry), Tory Collins, Roderick Jackson, Julius Nero III, Blake Jackson, Breian Collins, Brandon Collins, and Rashif Holmes; many great- and great-great-grandchildren; and her life-long friend Ethel Mingo.

Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, May 22, 2022 at 10 am, at Greater New Hope Baptist Church 1411 N 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68131. Interment: Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery 2300 S. 78th Street Omaha, NE 68124.

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