Zerita Williams Memorial Program

Zerita Dionne
Johnson-Williams
sunrise: september 10, 1965 • sunset: june 3, 2024
saturday, june 8, 2024–11am
Savannah Grove Baptist Church
2620 Alligator Rd. • Effingham, SC 29541

“Her life was a melody of love, laughter, and light, echoing in our hearts forever.”
erita Dionne Johnson-Williams, affectionately known as Rita, was born on
September 10, 1965, in Florence, SC. She was the beloved daughter of Arthur
McCown and Annette Martien (Johnson) and was lovingly raised by Hezikiah and Allie
Dease Johnson. Rita departed this life on June 3, 2024.
Rita attended the public schools of Florence County and graduated from West Florence
High School, Class of 1983. She furthered her education by earning an associate degree
in Accounting from Texas College.
A proud retired veteran of the United States Army, Rita specialized in Finance
Management. She joined Savannah Grove Baptist Church at an early age, participating
in the children’s, youth, and 5th Sunday choir ministries. As a teenager, she also played
piano for Sunday school.
Throughout her life, she received numerous awards and accolades. While in the
US Army she received; The Joint Service Commendation Medal, Two Army
Commendation Medals, Three Joint Service Achievement Medals, Three Army
Achievement Medals, Six Army Good Conduct Medals, Two National Service Medals,
and A Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. She was also inducted into The 2023
Wilson High School Alumni Hall of Fame.
Rita was known for her love, laughter, and vibrant energy. She was a devoted wife,
loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and sister. Her welcoming nature and motto
“Unapologetically Me!” endeared her to everyone she met.
She was preceded in death by; her mother, Annette Martein (Johnson); her father,
Arthur McCown; her grandparents Hezikiah and Allie Dease Johnson; her brothers,
Hezikiah Bobby Johnson, Donnie Johnson, and Larry Johnson.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Belton A. Williams; daughters Yazmine “Ali”
Johnson and Doneisha “DeeDee” Taylor; son Belton “BA” (Shar’Breasia) Williams;
sisters Ava “Terry” Martien Beauford (Torrence) and Catherine Ann Timmons;
brothers Michael Bowers and Charles Brown; special niece Auriel (Levon) Washington;
granddaughter Aliyah Johnson; special great-niece and nephew Alayna and Landon
Washington; mother-in-law Lucille Williams; brothers-in-law Tyrone (Tisha) Williams
and John Williams; sisters-in-law Rebecca (Jerome) Richardson, Portia Johnson, Bettye
Johnson, and Mildred Johnson; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins
who loved her dearly.
Rita’s bright spirit, unconditional love, and joyous laughter will forever be cherished by
Always in
all who knew her.

Order of Service
PRELUDE
PROCESSIONAL
HYMN
SCRIPTURES:
OLD TESTAMENT.............................................................. Kenny James
NEW TESTAMENT...........................................................Blanche James
PRAYER..................................................................................Calvin Sellers
REMARKS......... Classmate/Band member, Service Member, Family member
SOLO.....................................................................Lethonia Peaches Barnes
WORDS OF COMFORT.................................................... Rev McMillian
SOLO................................................................................ Josiellia Williams
RECESSIONAL
COMMITTAL-BENEDICTION-INTERMENT
our hearts

If roses grow in heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
but there’s an ache within my heart
that will never go away.
Acknowledgements
The family of Zerita Johnson-Williams wishes to
thank everyone for your support during this difficult
time. We greatly appreciate your prayers,
flowers, cards and more. May God bless all of you.
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