Mrs. Estella Williams

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, transitioned peacefully from this life on December 22, 2023, at the age of 101 years. She was born on September 28, 1922 to the late Izella Franklin and Cabe Taylor in Bryant, MS. Mrs. Estella Mae (Franklin) Williams and her late husband, Prince Williams were united in marriage on December 8, 1945. They relocated to Saginaw, Michigan in 1953. God blessed them to share 57 years together. Estella loved talking on the phone, spending time with family and friends, listening to Detroit Tiger’s baseball games, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries, and gardening. Stella Mae loved God! Her son, Drew jokingly referred to her as evangelist Stella. When given an opportunity, she would not fail to question family, friends and even strangers about “Do you know God?,” “Do you go to church?” and “Do you know the Ten Commandments?” Estella was a long-time member of Truevine Missionary Baptist Church where she sang in the Senior Choir and later served as part of the Willing Workers Ministry under the leadership of Pastor Paul E. Broaddus. She retired after 22 years of service from Saginaw General Hospital. It was during her employment at the hospital where she met and became lifelong friends with Mrs. Bertha Payne. In the latter years as they both grew older, the one thing that Estella could count on was a daily 4:00 p.m. phone call from Bertha to check on her. Her memory will be forever cherished by her son, Drew (Arlene) Franklin of Romulus, MI; daughter, Diane (Willie) Bond of Saginaw, MI; stepdaughter, Linda (John) Wright of Farmington Hills, MI; five grandchildren, Adrian Williams, Levaniel Boyd, Kevin (Felice) Bond, Quincy (Tineka) Bond, and Kelli Bond; 12 great-grandchildren, Jaquaya, Anthony, Kieara, Markayla, Brianna, Kevin Jr., Kalea, Quincy Jr., Nia, Dorian, Julian, and Erielle; three great-great grandchildren, Michael III, Kaine, and Messiah. Special cousins who affectionately called her Aunt Stella, Lisa Stokes, James (Mamie) Franklin, John Edward Jackson, Michael Dale, Gwen Franklin, and Eric Walters. So many beautiful friends blessed Estella’s life: Bertha (Leon) Payne, Yvonne Tate, Delores & Marty Richmond, Florida Davis, Ruby Lyles, Eva Pierce, Lee Marie Barney, Michael Billings, Carlotta Bracken, Tiffany Johnson, Lorraine Bond-Riley, Dorothy Perkins, neighbors on Harrow Lane, and her church family. Estella was preceded in death by her husband, Prince Williams; daughter, Melinda Williams; great-grandson, Markel Williams; Sister, Ira Lee Wilson; Brother, James Franklin. Heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Willie Bond (son-in-law) and Yvonne (Vonn) Tate for their unwavering love and support in assisting with caring for Mom. Special thanks to Tanya Monville, Saginaw County Commission on Aging, Dr. Minoo Khetarpal, American Home Hospice Care; we appreciate the care you provided to our mother. Thank You, Pastor Paul E. Broaddus and the Truevine Church Family; Evans-Browne Funeral Home for your thoughtful attention and service. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at True Vine Baptist Church, 2930 Janes St., Saginaw, MI 48601, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Paul Broaddus will officiate with interment in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens,7475 Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601.

Mrs. Estella Williams

September 28, 1922 - December 22, 2023