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She was born Feb. 5, 1943, in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, to Kermit Rowe and Charles Edwin Smith. She spent several years in Limon with her grandmother before moving to Bocas del Toro, Panama, where she met Rufos Williams.
In 1974, her husband immigrated to the U.S. and she followed shortly thereafter. They first settled in Philadelphia and then Mount Vernon, before settling in Stamford, where she lived for more than 35 years.
Williams worked as a nurses aide at Smith House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for more than 20 years until her retirement in 2005. A lung, colon and breast cancer survivor, Williams loved reading and watching educational programs.
She enjoyed the game show "Jeopardy," cooking, crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles and taking care of her family.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years; a son, Rufus Alberto; three daughters, Shayla, Carla and Nitzel; three brothers, Lestan, Jaime and Antonio; a sister, Beverly; and four grandchildren.
A service will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, at Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Stamford, followed by a reception. Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home in handling arrangements.
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