Annette’s Life Story

Annette Michelle Person was born to the late Oscar R. Williams and Joan E (Still) Williams on the 21st day of November 1957. From a young age, Annette brought joy and laughter to her family and those who knew her well. She was kind, loyal, and thoughtful.

Her childhood was filled with huge family gatherings at the home of Matriarch Bertha (Still) Upshaw, who took turns with her sister, Eleanor Sexton in housing and caring for Lillian Mae Still Fleming, the great matriarch of the family. Family was everything! Aunts, uncles, and many cousins gathered to celebrate holidays, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and family barbeques. One of her favorite holidays was Thanksgiving. The best part about Thanksgiving was eagerly waiting to graduate from the kid's table to the adult table.

Annette, who was affectionately called “Micki” was a successful student of the Lawnside Public School system. It was rich with Black History and culture. She would take pride in this culture while embracing her own heritage of the Still Family – the descendants of the Guinea Prince. She would always walk tall and proud like the queen she was. In fact, her aunties gave her another nickname, “Queenie”. Yes, they did.

Micki attended Haddon Heights High School. This was an experience that opened her eyes to the diversity of life and assisted her in learning about other races, cultures and prepared her for future life lessons. Annette was a proud graduate of the Class of 1976.

During her teen years into young adulthood, Annette would develop some incredible lifelong friends, near and far, that encompassed many memories of fun, joy, laughter, tears, accomplishments, disappointment, prayers, faith, and everlasting love.

It is important to note a few milestones which include Annette’s participation in the New Jersey Black America Pageant. She was first runner-up. She also was crowned the First Miss Lawnside.

Micki worked as a volunteer for the Lawnside Fire Company. One of her first administrative positions was her employment as an assistant to the Lawnside Borough Clerk and later accelerated her skills by accepting a position working for the US Attorney Office in Camden, NJ.

The most important relationship was with the love of her life – Spencer Person. They met in 1984 and became inseparable. Their personalities, sense of humor, love for life, dreams, and aspirations complimented each other. It was clear that that they were destined to be together. They married on August 23, 1986. When Micki and Spencer married, they shared their love with young Travis Person, who preceded her in death. They later welcomed their daughter, Autumn Michelle into the world. Micki loved her family.

Annette leaves to cherish her memories her beloved husband, Spencer; daughter Autumn Person Taylor; grandson, Logan; brother, Andre` Williams; sister, Crystal Joan Lee (James); special brother, Keith Smith; sisters-in-law, Marquita Person, and Shirley Jefferson; brother-in-law, George Person (Marc), special sister, Karen Loveland and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, relatives, and friends.