Darlene Williams

Ms. Darlene Williams (Doll) was born November 20, 1954 in Louisville, KY to the late Theodric and Lottie Belle Williams. She transitioned to eternal rest on Saturday, January 21, 2023 in Nashville, TN. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.


Education

Darlene attended Shawnee Elementary and Shawnee Junior and Senior High Schools. She was crowned Miss Shawnee of the Class of 1972. Upon graduation, she attended Kentucky State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in 1972 and has been an active member ever since. When she moved to Nashville, she became a member of the Pi Zeta Chapter. She helped advise the undergraduate chapter, Epsilon Alpha, at Tennessee State University and the Kappa Gamma chapter at Fisk University. In 1997, she was a driving force in the chartering of the Rho Alpha Zeta Chapter, serving as president and undergraduate advisor. In 1998-1999, she received the Zeta of the Year Award. In more recent years, she served as a mentor for current officers and members of the chapter. Her work included organizing events such as Hats off to Moms, Coats for Kids, and the Sisterhood Luncheon. As a result of her work with Rho Alpha Zeta, she will be featured in the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority History Book. She was the epitome of finer womanhood.


Spiritual Walk

Affectionately known in her youth as “Doll,” Darlene professed her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age at N Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Charles Wilkerson. Darlene enjoyed attending Sunday School and worship service and singing in the choir with the Reviving Spirits. While living in Nashville, TN, she joined Temple Church under the leadership of Pastor Darrell A. Drumwright, where she remained faithful and active for the duration of her life. By 2010, Darlene took over as Coordinator of the Temple Church Star Ruby Christian Cotillion. She shared her vision with the members resulting in stunning Cotillion balls being hosted at Millennial Maxwell House Hotel for several years. Through her passion, mentoring, and spirit of excellence toward empowering young ladies, their dreams were fueled, and numerous lives have been enriched.


Professional Life

Darlene was employed at Kraft Foods, First American Bank, Cardinal Health McKesson, Office Stars, Inc., and Phillips. During her tenure at Phillips, she received over eight leadership and sales awards. A concerned and compassionate family person, Darlene was an active force in the lives of all her family and was always ready to express her love for all, and her pride when accomplishments were achieved. Likewise, she never hesitated to make sure her positions and point of views on any given issues were voiced and understood.


Family

Doll was preceded in death by her loving mother and father, brothers David Kenneth Williams, Theodrick “Bro” Williams, Harvey Leslie Williams, and sister Kimberly Lynn Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory brothers Maurice Williams, Reginald Eugene Williams, sisters Yolanda Marie Williams, and Karen Michelle Williams; Dearly devoted friends Adria Hayden, Rose Terry, Elaine Drew, and Delisa Duckworth; A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many more very close and dear friends.