Barbara A. Williams

Barbara Ann Williams 

Born August 10, 1942, to the late Mildred Katherine Glover and the late Thomas Haynes, Barbara Ann Glover Williams grew to become known as a loving woman of God to all who knew her.  She was loved by her family, church and community so much that she became known by three names; Two-Mama, Grandma and the Cake Lady.

Barbara Ann grew up in Orangeburg County and attended Orangeburg County Public Schools. She was a proud graduate of Wilkinson High School Class of 1961, serving as a Majorette in the school marching band. At an early age she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and served faithfully as a charter member of The LK Nimmons Ensemble formed at Nazareth Methodist Episcopal later named Nazareth United Methodist and North Orangeburg United Methodist. She loved The Lord and it showed in her quiet manner and warm spirit. 

After high school, she met the love of her life, Howard Williams, and on April 27, 1963, they united in sweet matrimony and remained so for 55 years until his death in 2018. Barbara Ann and Howard had four children; Shawn, Elston, Tracey and Karl, whom they raised in a Christian household filled with love. 

Barbara Ann was a woman of many nurturing gifts and worked as a Domestic and a Seamstress in the cities of Bamburg and Orangeburg, South Carolina. She later made a career as a Pharmacy Technician, in keeping with her caretaker nature, at Walmart Pharmacy until she retired in 2008. 

Barbara Ann was the quintessential caregiver to all.  She was an extraordinary cook, and never turned anyone away from her kitchen table. She was known for her baking skills and could whip up her specialty cakes, especially her famous Red Velvet Cake. She was often requested to make German Chocolate Cake, Pound Cake, and Nut Bread for family gatherings, birthdays and especially during South Carolina State Homecomings. Her cakes were so widely loved that she affectionately became known as the Cake Lady.

Barbara Ann’s special fondness for children and her nurturing spirit also earned her the title of  Two-Mama because she loved and cared for children as a second mother. So many people called her Two-Mama, that folks started calling her husband Howard Two-Daddy, because you did not have one without the other! Not only was Barbara Ann family oriented, she also served her community as a member of the Orangeburg-Wilkinson Booster Clubs, the Jeddah Temple Daughters of Isis, The Order of the Eastern Star and The Order of the Golden Circle where she served faithfully and admirably. 

As the mother of four active children she was a fan of all sports, especially football and baseball. She loved her Dallas Cowboys and LA. Dodgers! On any given Sunday after church, you could find her in front of the television, in a sports jersey or one of her hats, representing her teams during games. She was also a game show fanatic. She loved Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right, Steve Harvey and the Family Feud and you can’t forget her soap operas! The Young and the Restless was her favorite and you better not interrupt her during her programs.

Barbara Ann spent the remaining years of her life in Charlotte, North Carolina with her son Shawn and his family, where they lovingly cared for her in her time of need, including the family dog, Molly, who played with and comforted her in her last days. While in Charlotte, she met new friends at the Blessed Assurance Adult Day Care center where she, once again, became family to all. 

Barbara Ann was preceded in death by her siblings Arthur Glover and Mary Francis Green of Orangeburg, South Carolina, her Husband, Howard Williams and her youngest son, her baby boy, Karl Williams. She leaves behind to celebrate her life, her brother, Jimmy McCants, her loving children; Shawn (Monica) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Elston (Penelope) of Orangeburg, South Carolina and Tracey Tobin (Andrew Jr. deceased) of Orangeburg, South Carolina, eight adoring grandchildren; Joshua, Jordan, Penelope, Edward, Elston Jr, Kiyshay, Adrianna and Andrew III (deceased), and two great-grandchildren; Jacob and Liam.

Barbara Ann was a second mother to Na’imah and Arthur Green Jr., LaTroy Johnson, the Griffins (Clarann, Matthew, Shawn), and a God-grandmother to Takeshia, Remi and Ramiah and countless other nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends who thrived under her loving wisdom. She will be missed.