Charnetta Mae Williams

Ms. Charnetta Mae Williams, age 93 of Sanford NC transitioned into eternal rest on Friday, January 21, 2022, at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford, NC.

Mrs. Charnetta D. Williams, daughter of the late Reverend Eddie R. Douglass and Margie Campbell Douglass, departed this life on January 21, 2022.  After the death of her mother (Margie), Charnetta was raised by the late Doby and Lula Roberts, and she adopted the Roberts Family as her own in the New Hope Community.  Later in life, Charnetta moved in with her father and stepmother, the late Margaret Douglass.  Her daughter, the late Linda JoAnn Williams, predeceased her in death and her spiritual memories are embraced in the arms of Charnetta.

She leaves behind her legacy: her sons, Wayburn (Elder Gracie) Williams of Sanford, and Harry (Linda) Williams of Raleigh; her Grands – Minister Jermaine and his daughters Maya and Alyssa; and her brother, James (Claricee) Douglass, commonly known as “Soul”. Also, Charnetta leaves to cherish her memories, Reverend Dr. Donna McNeil Cox, Dayton, Ohio and other godchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and family friends.

Charnetta was educated in the Lee County School System and graduated from W. B. Wicker High School in the class of 1945.  

Mrs. Williams was a lifelong member of the New Hope AME Zion Church where she held numerous positions including Mother of the Church.  She devoted her life to God’s work, the Missionary work of the AME Zion faith, the Community, and her Family and Friends.  Charnetta held the Sanford District Chairman of Life Members Council of the AME Zion Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society – a position she held for more than 50 years.  For many years, she would travel to most AME Zion Conferences and quarterly meetings no matter the location. She always held her Church family and Friends in high esteem.

Charnetta often said that her character was shaped by a strong work ethic that she shared with others.  Over the years, she worked at many places and individual homes before retiring at Moen.  She offered her unwavering family support and strong positive mentoring to others throughout her life.  She was passionate in sharing the lessons she learned with both young, old, and any others who would listen including those people who she claimed as her second children.  We will forever miss Charnetta’s love of family and family history; her candid attitude and her sense of righteousness. Thank God for all of those who crossed her path over her 93 years of life.

Her legacy is shared by multi-generations of family members whom she supported in their endeavors.   Many thanks to those families who shared conversations, education, and spiritual growth about their lives and activities over the years.  Some of her proud moments were seeing young people develop their lives and that Dr. Cox reflected portions of Charnetta’s life story in her book.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to New Hope AME Zion Church, 541South Plank Road, Sanford, NC 27330

The Family of the late Charnetta Douglass Williams acknowledges all communications and expressions of sympathy received during her illness and death.  We thank each of you for your visits and for sharing your memories of Mrs. Williams.  We extend a special thanks to the medical staff at each institution that provided services to her and to Spring Arbor of Apex and Westfield.  May God bless the beloved New Hope AME Zion Church and the spiritual blessings received from other Churches. Your thoughts and prayers will be forever remembered.

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