Obituaries
Golimae Sanders Williams
Golimae Sanders was born in Vance, Mississippi on March 18,1937 to Carrie and Moses Sanders. She was one of nine children from that union.
Golimae accepted Christ at a very young age at Galilee Baptist Church. She was just five years old when she met elementary school friend George Williams. They would later be married on a rainy day on the front porch of the home of Golimae’s favorite aunt and namesake. The date was January 8,1956 and the wedding was a huge event in Vance. The whole town came out with folks watching from the road to get a glimpse of the local couple. That union produced three children, Garry, Glenn and Karen Marie. They migrated from Vance, to Champaign, IL, and later made a home in Danbury, Ct
Golimae was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. She was beautiful, loving, supportive and encouraging—with never a negative word about anyone. You’d often hear her saying, “To each his own. Treat people like you want to be treated. God is in Charge, and Nothing is more important than family."
She was a long-time member of New Hope Baptist Church in Danbury, CT, president of the gospel chorus for 16 years, and a soloist with “Jesus Paid it All” being her signature song. She held several leadership positions on numerous boards. Golimae was a skilled worker in manufacturing at Bristol Company in Waterbury, CT for many years.
After raising her family, being a caregiver for her in-laws, and retiring from Bristol, Golimae and George moved to Memphis to be closer to family in 1996. She became a member and sang in the Choir at Thomas Chapel Baptist Church in Memphis, and later she and George became active members and Greeters at Life Church of Memphis.
Nanny, as family fondly called Golimae, was the originator of the Campbell/Sanders family reunions which she organized every two years for more than 20 years. These gatherings started out as small, family back yard BBQs and then to more formal reception halls with different activities each day of the weekend. The reunions were in different cities, and the last family reunion she planned was in Clarksdale, MS in 1998. Golimae had a heart for the youngest family members, and gave out awards and prizes to everyone.
In her family and her work life, Golimae was gregarious and kind with a strong leadership mentality. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Golimae was preceded in death by her parents Carrie and Moses Sanders, her special namesake aunt, Golimae Mcafee, her sisters: Mary Lee Abraham, Annie Lee Russell, Nancy Lee Riles, Ora Lee White, and brothers: William Sanders, Moses Sanders, Willie Lee Sanders, and Monroe Sanders.
She is survived and deeply cherished by the love-of-her-life and husband of 70 years, George Williams, her daughter Karen Norris (Sean) of Memphis, TN and sons, Garry Williams of St. Louis, MO and Glenn Williams (Lizette) of Connecticut, and grandchildren: Nicole Carter, Kai Norris, Soraya Norris, and Tyshean Norris, brother Charles Sanders (Delores) of Madison, MS, sisters: Gloria Robinson (James) of Chicago, IL and Dorothy Williams of Grand Rapids, MI, three great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
Golimae was incredibly devoted to her love George, who she spent a lifetime of happiness with. After several years of failing health, Golimae passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by the warmth and love of family. It was the evening of January 8, 2026–the 70th anniversary of her wedding on that front porch. Love indeed conquers all and remains eternal.
May her spirit rest in peace until we all meet again.
Golimae Williams, age 88, died January 8, 2026.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel.(901)379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
17
Jan
1638 Sycamore View Road
Memphis, TN 38134
Graveside
17
Jan
6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd
Memphis, TN 38134
Cemetery Details
Location
6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd
Memphis, TN 38134
