Dolores Juanita Williams

Dolores Williams, 79, of West Columbia, TX passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Northeast Memorial Hermann in Humble, TX.  She was born on December 9, 1944, to John and Edna Leglend in San Francisco, CA.

Dee, as she was affectionately known, along with her husband Rev. Harold E. Williams, Sr., founded New Life Tabernacle Church in Brazoria Texas in 1986.  Together they pastored the same congregation for 36 years, where she willingly served in any capacity needed.  New Life Tabernacle is associated with the United Pentecostal Church International. 

Dolores was the heart and soul of her family and she immersed herself in serving her church family. Her dedication to her faith inspired her family, and her children remember many times walking by her bedroom at night and hearing her pray for them and others.  She was a devoted mother and loved being a “Gran” more than any other role she fulfilled in her life. 

In her youth, Dee spent several years in foster care, living with foster families in the State of California, one of which was the lighthouse keeper at the Point Arena Lighthouse in Point Arena California, where she graduated from High School in 1963. Her time at Point Arena lighthouse held a special place in her heart and instilled in her a fondness for lighthouses across the country.

Along with being a pastor’s wife, and having a servant’s heart, she loved cooking and baking, entertaining guests in her home, traveling, singing, Christmas shopping, spending time with her family, and most of all laughing.  She was known for her kindness and hospitality, and there was always room at her table for one more. 

Dee was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Betty Carratti, Linda Leglend, Kathy Ryan, Starlene Ryan; brothers, Donald Weaver, Rodger Terry Leglend; stepdaughters, Mary Elizabeth Reichert, Sandy Stapp; and grandsons, Ronald Reichert, Jerry Stapp.

She leaves behind precious memories with her husband, Rev. Harold E. Williams of West Columbia, TX; son, Rev. Timothy R. Kelley (Dana) of Oakdale, LA; daughters, Angela K. Contreras (Noel) of Humble, TX, Kellie A. Bowman (Grant) of Crowley, TX; step-son, Harold E. Williams, Jr. (Ronnah) of Clute, TX; brother, Robert Leglend; sister, Carol Steiner; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends, many of which she considered family.

Family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. with funeral services beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at New Life Tabernacle Church, 201 E. Texas St., Brazoria, TX with Rev. Danny Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow at Cedar Lawn Haven of Rest Cemetery, 1020 Sinclair Street, West Columbia, TX.

Active pallbearers will be Gene Reichert, Jared Strother, Ryan Kelley, Kendall Bowman, Tyler Bushnell and Frankie Maruzzi.

Please visit our website to leave online condolences, light a candle and send floral arrangements or gifts to the family at www.dixonfuneralhome.com.

Final arrangements entrusted to Dixon Funeral Home of Brazoria at (979)798-9113

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