Deborah Ann Williams

Deborah Ann Lovelace-Williams, a devoted woman of God, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, minister, and servant of her community, transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the age of seventy.

Deborah was born August 12, 1956, to Eugene J. Lovelace and Nettie Mae Neely-Lovelace. She accepted Christ early in life and was baptized at age 12 at Shiloh Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Her faith remained the foundation of her life.

Throughout the years, Deborah served faithfully in Women’s Ministry, Sunday School, Bible Institute, the Mission Society, pastoral care, and other areas of ministry. While living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she served as a Care Pastor at Victory Christian Center and graduated from Victory Bible Institute. She later served for many years at Gaines Street Baptist Church under Bishop J. Barrington Minix, where she made history as the first female minister licensed by the church. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Otter Creek Community Church in Little Rock, where she remained committed to Christian service and missions.

Deborah was academically gifted, studious, and determined. She graduated from Northeast High School in 1975 and continued her education at the State College of Arkansas, now the University of Central Arkansas, before later attending Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.

While attending the State College of Arkansas, Deborah became a charter member of the Gamma Eta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Chartered on February 16, 1976, she was one of six charter members who established a legacy of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.

Deborah’s professional life reflected her heart for people. Her career included medical billing and coding, community and family outreach, and service as a substitute teacher. She also participated in the STAND Program and other leadership-development initiatives.

One of Deborah’s greatest joys was the life and love she shared with her husband, Reverend Michael C. Williams. Their relationship was rooted in faith, family, and music, and she especially enjoyed singing alongside Michael and their family. Deborah also loved reading, traveling, and watching one of her favorites, Judge Judy.

Those who knew Deborah knew her as determined. She was intelligent, strong in her convictions, and steadfast in her faith. When she committed herself to something, she pursued it with focus and perseverance.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene J. Lovelace and Nettie Mae Neely-Lovelace; her sister, Cynthia K. Lovelace; and her beloved husband, Reverend Michael Charles Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Brian Williams (CaMeika) of Little Rock, Arkansas; Lyndsey Williams-Johnson of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Pastor Christopher Williams (Chantel) of Dallas, Texas.

She also leaves nine grandchildren: Jalisa McCray, Destinee Williams, Jurnee Williams, Briana Williams, Brashawn Williams, Brian Williams, Jaison Johnson, Jaiden Johnson, and Branden Williams; one great-granddaughter, D’Arrie Williams; her sister, Felicia Lovelace-Alexander; her dear friend, Paulette Robinson; and a host of relatives, extended family, church family, sorority sisters, and friends.

Deborah leaves a legacy of faith, family, service, education, and determination. The lives she touched and the seeds she planted will continue to bear fruit for generations.

Her work on earth is complete. Her faith has become sight.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23