Izetta “Zett” Williams, a cherished matriarch and devoted servant of faith, peacefully passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spans five generations. Born into a loving family as the eleventh of twelve children to Gause and Loda Rheams Thomas, Zett’s life was one marked by unwavering dedication to her family, community, and church.
Raised in Whitehouse, Texas, Zett attended Stanton High School and spent summers visiting her elder siblings in Fort Worth. It was there she met and married Nathaniel Williams, the love of her life, with whom she raised five beautiful children. In 1950, the couple rooted themselves in the Highcrest community of Fort Worth, becoming steadfast pillars in the neighborhood for over seventy-five years.
A woman of deep faith, known fondly as Sister Williams within her church family, Zett embraced Christ at an early age. Her spiritual journey began at Little Zion Baptist Church in Blackjack, Texas, and continued through memberships at Worth Hill Baptist Church and Bethlehem Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Together with her husband, she remained a faithful, steadfast member through decades, serving under the guidance of several beloved pastors. When Bethlehem Baptist closed, her obedience to faith led her to continue her ministry at Great Light Baptist Church and later at Samuel Baptist Church.
Zett’s devotion extended beyond worship; she and her husband were loyal ushers, with Nathaniel serving as usher board president for nearly fifty years and Zett as treasurer. Her heart also beat for the Women’s Mission, where she dedicated much of her adult life.
Professionally, Mrs. Williams contributed thirty-four years of service to Fort Worth Independent School District before retiring. Her joys were simple yet profound: gospel church musicals, especially midnight sessions, cooking sumptuous Sunday dinners featuring spicy green beans with potatoes, greens with cornbread, sweet potato pies, and her legendary homemade sweet iced tea. Ever the historian of her family, she meticulously documented notes ensuring her loved ones preserved their heritage and cared for one another. Her warm sayings, “Bless your heart” and “I’m going to love you right on!” remain phrases etched in the hearts of those who knew her. Zett also delighted in playing the piano, joyfully performing favorites like “Amazing Grace” and “May the Work That I’ve Done Speak for Me,” embodying the spirit of her life’s work.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Gause and Loda Thomas; her devoted husband Nathaniel; daughter Marvelene Beasley Reynolds; eleven siblings; and many cherished in-laws and friends.
Zett’s memory lives on in her children Leonard, Bettye, Vernessa, and Brenda; fifteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Special acknowledgment is given to nieces Georgia Mae Tucker, Tommie Smith, Jean Hartsfield, and Cecelia Bibbs; lifelong friends Lila “Fat” Broughton, Elizabeth Bonney and her daughter Cathy; faithful neighbor Lydia Ramirez; and dear running companion Jerline Gipson.
Izetta Williams embodied a life of love, faith, and service—a beacon of strength for her family and community. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed, her spirit forever shining brightly in the lives she touched.
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