Everett Williams

Mrs. Everett Mae “Sweet” Gipson Williams was born on February 9, 1941, to the late Rev. Henry
Augustus Gipson and Mrs. Angeline Jackson Gipson in Bessemer, AL.
She confessed hope in Christ at an early age and joined Jerusalem Baptist Church under the
pastorage of Rev. Wilson Fallin, Sr. She was active in her church serving as a Sunday School
musician and teacher, President of the Matrons and founding member of the Women’s Chorus.
In later years she joined the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev.
Samuel Pettagrue, where she served faithfully for 25 years before returning home to the New
Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in October 2015. Though in failing health when she
returned home, her presence was felt and she rekindled many old relationships and made many
new friends and acquaintances over the years.
Mae Mae, as she was called by those who knew in her youth, was a 1959 graduate of Brighton
High School. She attended Tuskegee Institute for a short period of time.
In 1960, Mae Mae met Joe L. Williams, Jr. The couple were wed on June 30, 1961, and he
affectionately changed her name to Sweet. During the 60 year union of Joe and Sweet 3
children were born: Angela, Joe III, and Kenneth.
During her working years Mrs. Williams spent her working years in the educational system at
UAB and later in the Bessemer City School System.
Mama spent much of her life being of service to others. She always found a senior to take
meals to or a young lady to mentor. After retirement mom and dad spent hours visiting the sick
at home, in the hospital, and in various nursing homes. Mama was quite wise and always gave
good, sound advice. You didn’t always like it, but it always proved to be spot on.
Late in the evening on November 9, 2021, Everett Mae “Sweet” Gipson Williams was called
home to be with the Lord. After many years of struggle, many ups and downs, and a life well
lived, she was rewarded with eternal rest.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father Rev. Henry Augustus and Mrs. Angeline
Jackson Gipson. Brothers: Alonzo Gipson, Sr., Henry Gipson, Jr., Paul, Robert, and Oscar
Gipson, Sr.
Everett leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband, Joe L. Williams, Jr.; three
children, Angela Jolisa, Joe, III, and Kenneth Augustus; one brother Cleophus(Dorothy); one
sister-in-law, Robbie Gipson; a longtime friend and confidant Ms. Dadie Buchanon and a host of
cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.