Deaconess Gayle Brown Williams

Gayle Brown Williams was born on February 24, 1962, in Florence, South Carolina, to the late Rev. Matthew C. Brown and Mildred Speights Brown. From her earliest days, Gayle was surrounded by faith, love, and the strong foundation her parents   so graciously provided — a foundation that would shape every chapter of her remarkable life.

Gayle attended the public schools of Florence County School District 3, where her love of learning and talent began to flourish. During her high school years, she was  a proud member of the school band, an early sign of the musical gift that would  remain with her throughout her life. She went on to further her education at Claflin College  in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in  Education. Her academic excellence was recognized with the honor of graduating Magna Cum Laude, a testament to her dedication and discipline. While at Claflin, Gayle lent her beautiful voice to the Claflin College Choir from 1980 to 1983, serving as a first soprano. The choir traveled extensively throughout the East Coast, from South to North, performing at United Methodist Churches and sharing the gift of music with audiences far and wide. Those years were a treasured season of fellowship, song, and sisterhood. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Gayle later obtained her Masters degree from South Carolina State University. Gayle dedicated twenty-five faithful years of service to Florence School District 3, where she poured her heart into teaching elementary-age students. Her classroom was a place where young minds were nurtured with patience, creativity, and genuine care. Beyond the school walls, she also spent many years teaching piano lessons to children in the Lake City community, instilling in them a love for music that will endure for generations to come. She was not simply an educator; she was a mentor, an encourager, and a lasting influence in the lives of countless young people.

Gayle was a woman of unwavering faith whose life was deeply rooted in the church. She was raised in St. John United Methodist Church, where her love for God was first nurtured. Later in life, she joined Mt. Clair Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as a Deaconess; a role she embraced with  humility, dedication, and a servant's heart. Outside of the church, Gayle was a proud member of the Order of Eastern Stars, Sun Beam Chapter 244, an organization through which she continued to serve her community with grace and purpose.

On July 25, 1987, Gayle was united in holy matrimony with Bobby Williams. Their union was a true partnership built on love, commitment, and shared faith. This blessed union produced two children.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son Bryon Lowell Williams, whose passing left a void in her heart that only heaven could fill. She was also preceded in death by her brother Merywn Curt Brown, her nephew Quinton Major, and her sister-in-law Betty Boggs.

Gayle leaves to cherish her memory and carry forward her legacy: her devoted husband, Bobby Williams; one son, Bryson (Sonni) Williams; one stepdaughter, Gracy (Chris) Coleman; four grandchildren who brought endless joy to her life, Braelynn, Bryce, Lazarus, and Dominic Williams; two brothers, Marshall Burgess  and Mitchel (Barbara) Burgess; one sister, Geralyn M. Brown; one sister-in-law, Lillie Bell Williams; one brother-in-law, K.C. Turner Jr.; two cherished aunts, Dorine Brown and Mary Brown; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed to know and love her.

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