Barnetta Williams passed away Friday, October 6. If she had lived until October 20, she would have been 110 years old.
For a number of years, Mrs. Williams was honored at birthday parties as family and friends marked each milestone. Her last birthday celebrated in Atmore was her 108th in 2015.
In 2016, she moved to Philadelphia where she lived with her great-granddaughter, Darlene Callands.
In May of this year, she attended the Centenarians Celebration Day in Philadelphia as part of a national observance of Older Americans Month.
Mrs. Williams was the oldest person in attendance.
Originally from Monroe Country, Mrs. Williams was the youngest of nine siblings. Her family moved to Freemanville, then to Atmore in 1940.
Imagine the changes she had seen since 1907. In recent years, her life experiences became part of Youth Leadership Atmore’s History and Culture sessions. A portion of those sessions is held at Gaines Chapel AME Church where the class enjoys a true Southern meal. And it was there that Mrs. Williams talked about her life and answered questions. It was doubly pleasurable for Mrs. Williams – she enjoyed the young people, and she was in her home church. She served Gaines Chapel and her Lord faithfully.
Mrs. Williams’ funeral service will be held Sunday, October 15, 11 a.m., at Gaines Chapel AME Church with the Rev. Amos Smith, Pastor, officiating.