Ardelia Williams

Our beloved mother, Ardelia Williams, entered life on March 5, 1938, born to the union of James and Lucy Foster Williams in Alligator, Mississippi. She was the youngest of five daughters and shared a special bond with her one and only brother, James Williams Jr.

In 1941, the Williams family moved to Tunica, Mississippi, where Ardelia accepted Christ at an early age. The family joined Free Grace Church in Tunica, and Ardelia remained rooted in faith throughout her life.

After completing the Tunica grammar school system and attending Tunica High School, Ardelia graduated in 1958. She became a proud mother in 1959 to her son, Terry Williams.

In 1960, with the help of her sister Edna Frieson, Ardelia relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where she began a long and fulfilling career with Molex, Inc. Starting on the assembly line, she worked her way up to become a Human Resource Specialist. In 1961, Ardelia was blessed again with a daughter, Sudonna Lenox.

On October 11, 1964, Ardelia and her sister Edna joined Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Ernest L. Strawhorn. She remained faithful through the ministries of Rev. Steve C. Chew and Rev. Ray C. Bonney, Pastor Emeritus. Affectionately known as “Dee” by her church family, Ardelia was a devoted lead singer of the Voices of Pleasant Green and served as Assistant Coordinator of the March Group’s Annual Tea.

Following the passing of her brother-in-law Elijah Frieson Sr., Ardelia and Edna lovingly combined their households and raised their children together for 18 years. Her nephews Elijah Jr., Eugene, Eric, and niece Evelyn were like a second set of children to her.

In August 1983, Ardelia joyfully welcomed her “son-in-love,” Rev. Wayne A. Lenox Jr., into the family. In March 1989, her family grew once again with the addition of her beloved “daughter-in-love,” Ernestine Williams.

After 35 years of dedicated service, Ardelia retired from Molex in 1997. In honor of her commitment, Molex named a conference room after her—“The Ardelia Williams Conference Room”—a legacy that remains standing 28 years later.

Ardelia embraced retirement fully, cherishing summers with her granddaughters, visiting family in Tunica, and enjoying cards and laughter with nieces, nephews, and friends. She especially treasured time with her great-grandchildren Riley and Jenesis, who kept her spirit youthful.

In November 2024, due to health reasons, Ardelia moved to Carbondale, IL, to live with her daughter and son-in-law. During her time there, she created a heartfelt “Thankful & Grateful List.” She wanted to especially thank:Wayne Lenox, Evangelist Stephanie “Apple” Maxwell-Saunders, Cheryl Walton, Rita Cavitt, Marshall “Tuney” Harrington, and Darnell “Brune Brune” Woods—for your love, care, and support.

She also requested a special thank you to her granddaughter, Brandi Lenox. “Bran Bran,” you were your grandmother’s angel and caregiver. She wanted you to know how deeply she loved and appreciated everything you did—your presence, your devotion, your compassion, and your laughter brought her joy and peace.

On Friday, July 25, 2025, at 2:00 AM, Ardelia peacefully departed this life at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, sisters Mary Lee Mills, Ruby Lee Sardon, Cora Graham, and her grandson Mark Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Her son, Terry Williams (Ernestine); daughter, Sudonna Lenox (Wayne); sister, Edna Frieson; brother, James Williams; grandchildren; Ge-Ge, Brandi, Ashley Lenox, Tyra Lewis-Risby (Earl), Chalonda Reed, Terrence Lewis; great-grandchildren including Riley and Jenesis; her “sister and bruh”: Albert and Charlie Crouthers, godparents of Sudonna; godson, Brian Skinner; special niece and nephew: Lori and Gregory; dear friend, Mary Luke; adopted daughters: Audrie Hicks-Washington and Marilyn Flowers-Levy; special niece/daughter Evelyn Gipson; sons/nephews: Elijah (Karen), Eugene, and Eric Frieson and a host of nieces, nephews, adopted children (you know who you are), her Pleasant Green Church family, and many friends.

Ardelia Williams lived a life of faith, love, and service. Her warmth, laughter, and unwavering strength will be remembered always. Her legacy lives on in all those she touched.

Ministry of Comfort Lovingly Entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.