Vera Lois Williams

Mrs. Vera Lois CeDell Smith Williams lived 99 beautiful years marked by faith, family, and a quiet, gentle spirit. Born on July 20, 1927, in Del Valle, Texas, to Sebron Smith and Willie Roland Smith, Vera was lovingly raised in Austin, Texas, by her mother and stepfather, Frank and Willie Williams. A proud graduate of Austin’s public schools, she completed her studies at the historic Original L.C. Anderson High School with the Class of 1945, where she shined as an enthusiastic Yellow Jacket cheerleader. She furthered her education at Tillotson College, now Huston-Tillotson University. In 1946, Vera married Concho January, and together they welcomed three sons: William, Byron, and Carey. She gave her life to God at an early age at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church under Rev. N.S. Brown. In 1958, Vera married Claude A. Williams, and their union was blessed with a baby girl, Claudia Denise, in May 1960. The family joined New Mt. Olive Baptist Church under Rev. Herbert A. Sneed, where Vera's servant's heart flourished. She sang soprano in the adult choir, served faithfully in the mission auxiliary, mentored young adults, and worked faithfully in the St. John Landmark Association. In the early 1970s, Vera returned to her spiritual home at Greater Mt. Zion under Rev. N. W. Bacon, Jr., where she poured her love into Mission II, the Senior Choir, and the youth department. She was also a dedicated sponsor for the Austin City Wide Youth Chorus, assisting with programs, annuals, and crusades. As a devoted homemaker, Vera filled her home with warmth, peace, and immaculate care. Her home was always spotless, her children neatly dressed, and family and friends often heard her humming or singing hymns as she cooked and cleaned. Beyond her home, she found joy in simple routines- spending hours at H-E-B reading labels, browsing magazines, and choosing groceries for special meals or enjoying quiet Saturday afternoons shopping at Dillard’s in Hancock Center. In her later years, Vera moved in with her daughter Claudia—affectionately known as "Neicy” where her love of gospel music deepened as she listened again and again while Neicy prepared for choir rehearsals. Family was Vera's greatest earthly joy, and she loved being surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially during the holidays. After a hospital stay in 2021 left her unable to walk, Vera made her home at Legend Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation. True to her gentle nature, she quickly endeared herself to everyone she met, forming friendships and finding comfort in quiet moments watching residents and visitors pass by. She was blessed with compassionate caregivers who adored her, just as she adored them, and she especially enjoyed musical sing-alongs with Ms. Rose Hutchins Brown and Deborah Duncan-Hurdle. Each year, Neicy gathered family and friends for joyful birthday celebrations that never failed to bring a radiant smile to Vera’s face- especially when she received her favorite requested gifts: Cheetos, ice cream, Ensure, and a cherry slush from Sonic. Surrounded by her devoted "Birthday Crew" Crew" and her baby girl Neicy, Vera celebrated her final birthday on this side, Sunday, August 16, 2026. Ninety-nine years of tenderness, a beautiful smile, and a quiet spirit - what an extraordinary blessing she was to everyone who knew and loved her! Vera is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Willie Williams; biological father, Sebron Smith; husband, Claude A. Williams; sons, William, Byron, and Carey January; sister, Berma Roland; brother, Vernon Roland; and granddaughter, Trinette January. Those left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories: daughter, Claudia “Neicy” Williams; grandchildren, Chevale January Ross (Walter), Byron Reed, Jennell January Bunton, Donnell January, Carey Johnson (Linda), and Cheryl Johnson-January; great-grandchildren, Jearold Bunton, Jr., Torrey Johnson, Terrance Johnson, Riesjar January, Jordyn January Allen, Donnell Jamal January, Jada January, Jon’ta Wingwood and Pharaoh Reed; eight (8) great-great grandchildren; sisters in law, Jewel Andrews (Wilson) and Margie Williams; daughter-in-law, Bobbie January; nieces, Gardie M. Roland, Janice Burleson (Royal), Angela McCurry (Oliver), Julie Rucker (Dwayne) and Stephanie Williams; nephews, Johnnie E. Roland and James A. Johnson; god-daughters, Melanie Ellison Ketebu, Bertha Redd and Mae F. James; and a host of cousins and friends.

Vera Lois Williams

July 20, 1927 - August 16, 2026