Lena 'Sis' Williams

Lena Williams 'Sis' was born March 11, 1954, to Eddie Williams Sr. and Lena Williams in Chicago, Illinois. Lena was the third child and oldest daughter of the eight children born of this union.

Lena professed her hope in Christ in her early years and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois.

After the passing of her parents, the family relocated to Indianapolis, IN in 1969 with their grandmother, Gertrude. Lena attended Arlington High School where she met longtime friend, Mrs. Barbara (Graves) Stuart. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1972 and then attended IUPUI where she met Brenda (Burris) Lee and became co-founder and vice president of the Liberators. She was also a member of the Black Student Union, and briefly changed her name to Kemba.

Lena previously worked for Methodist Hospital and later Blue Cross Blue Shield where she developed a friendship with Linda Nibbs. She worked at Navy Avionics for several years before starting at the United States Postal Service. She held various positions throughout her career at the post office, including being a longtime Union Steward. She retired from the United States Postal Service after 29 years of service in October 2009.

Lena valued family and education. Her love for reading and learning showed throughout her life. She was a volunteer for IndyReads for several years, and she wrote a book review column in the Indianapolis Recorder. From this, authors began sending her their books to review and write about for various other publications. She received her Associate's and Bachelor's degree from Simmons College in Louisville, KY. She obtained a Master's degree in Christian Theology from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN.

Lena remained active throughout her retirement. She learned to the play piano. She was a member of the Classic Readers Book club. She is the former President of the American Postal Workers Union Retirees (APWU). She was member of the Sisters United for Christ, and she attended their annual retreats. Lena loved to travel, and went on various trips with the APWU, her family, friends, and church. She worked part-time at Eastgate Christian Church until her passing.

She was a devoted member of Greater St. Mark Baptist Church where she served on several ministries. She was the treasurer of the Senior Usher Board, Church Librarian, Youth Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, Dean/Registrar of the Habakkuk Bible College, as well as Vacation Bible School Coordinator.

Lena Williams departed this life on Friday, December 7, 2018 at the age of 64. She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Eddie Lee Williams Jr. and Henry Lee Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Kimberly Williams (Mark Cole) and Jacquelyn Edwards; six grandchildren, Monyae, Makayah, Macarria, Myah, Markimea and MarkAnthony Cole; two brothers, Warren and Donnell Williams; three sisters, Paula Shoulars (John), Denise Thomas and Linda Williams; honorary sister and best friend, Brenda Lee; two Godsons, Harold and Damon Lee; seventeen nieces and nephews and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.